Ruqayyah Snyder
Kale is a popular vegetable in Australia, with its ability to tolerate low temperatures making it a great crop to grow. However, kale plants often fall prey to a specific set of pests, which can hinder their growth and damage crops. Common pests include insects such as aphids, whiteflies, and cabbage worms, as well as larger animals like rabbits and deer. Identifying these pests is crucial for managing them effectively, and gardeners must act swiftly to protect their plants. A variety of methods can be used to control these pests, including organic pesticides, biological control, and preventive measures such as crop rotation and good water management.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common Pests | Aphids, whiteflies, cabbage worms, flea beetles, rabbits, squirrels, voles/mice, skunks, deer, caterpillars, earwigs, rolly polly bugs |
| Pest Management Techniques | Insecticidal soaps, natural predators (e.g. ladybugs, lacewings, parasitic wasps), biological controls, targeted insecticides (e.g. spinosad, pyrethrins), neem oil, diatomaceous earth |
| Prevention Techniques | Balanced nutrient supply, pruning, good water management, clean growing environment, barriers, attractant traps, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), crop rotation, companion planting with mint and thyme |
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What You'll Learn
- Common pests: aphids, whiteflies, cabbage worms, and flea beetles
- Larger animal intruders: rabbits, squirrels, skunks, deer, and more
- Natural predators: ladybugs, lacewings, parasitic wasps, and nematodes
- Organic pesticides: neem oil, diatomaceous earth, and insecticidal soaps
- Insecticides: spinosad and pyrethrins
Common pests: aphids, whiteflies, cabbage worms, and flea beetles
Kale is susceptible to a range of pests, including aphids, whiteflies, cabbage worms, and flea beetles. These insects can cause significant damage to kale plants and other vegetables in your garden. Here is some information about these common pests and how to manage them:
Whiteflies
Whiteflies are tiny, sap-sucking insects that are often found on the undersides of kale leaves. They are white or pale in colour and are described as looking like "flying dandruff". They feed on the sap of plants, causing yellow spots on the upper leaves. Whiteflies also produce large amounts of sweet and sticky honeydew, which attracts ants and causes sooty mould, affecting the plant's photosynthesis and retarding its growth. Prevention is critical in curbing whitefly infestations. Natural insecticides, such as EarthCare White Oil insect spray, can be used to control whitefly populations. It is important to follow the directions on the package and spray both sides of the foliage.
Aphids
Aphids, also known as "plant lice", are small and soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of plants. They can cause leaves to become yellow and distorted and may transmit viral diseases to the plant. To control aphid infestations, you can introduce natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings, or use insecticidal soaps and horticultural oils.
Flea Beetles
Flea beetles are tiny beetles that feed on the foliage of kale plants, creating distinctive "`shotholes` in the leaves". These holes can quickly ruin leafy greens, giving new leaves a lacy appearance. They are particularly problematic for young seedlings, where damage is more rapid and harmful. Flea beetles can also spread bacterial diseases like wilt and blight. To control flea beetle populations, you can use homemade sprays, dust leaves with talcum powder, or use white sticky traps to capture them. Planting strongly scented plants, such as catnip or mint, can also help repel these pests.
Cabbage Worms
Cabbage worms are the larvae of moths that feed on kale and other cruciferous vegetables. They can cause extensive damage to the leaves, resulting in skeletal remains. To control cabbage worm infestations, you can handpick the worms off the plants, use row covers to protect the crops, or introduce natural predators such as parasitic wasps and birds.
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Larger animal intruders: rabbits, squirrels, skunks, deer, and more
Squirrels, rabbits, and deer are some of the larger animals that may be sneaking into your garden and eating your kale. Squirrels, in particular, are known to wreak havoc on kale gardens, as evident from several online accounts.
If you suspect squirrels are the culprits, it is recommended to take proactive measures such as installing bird netting to create a physical barrier that deters these critters from accessing your precious kale. While it is challenging to keep persistent squirrels at bay, taking preventive measures can help protect your garden.
Rabbits are another common garden visitor that enjoys munching on kale. While rabbits can benefit from the nutrients in kale, it is crucial to offer it in moderation due to its high calcium content, which can lead to health issues if consumed excessively. A balanced diet for rabbits includes a variety of leafy greens, safe vegetables, and hay as the primary component.
Although there is limited information on deer eating kale, it is possible that they may be attracted to your garden for a tasty kale treat. To protect your kale from larger animal intruders, consider implementing strategies such as fencing, netting, or other physical barriers that specifically target these intruders.
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Natural predators: ladybugs, lacewings, parasitic wasps, and nematodes
Ladybugs, or ladybird beetles, are native Australian insects that can be purchased and released to control aphid infestations. Both the adults and larvae of these beetles feed on aphids, although the larvae are responsible for most of the predation. Ladybugs are a popular choice for pest control as they are a non-chemical solution.
Lacewings are another generalist predator native to Australia that can be used for pest control. The most common species is the Green Lacewing (Mallada signatus), which feeds on small insects like aphids, caterpillars, moth eggs, and scale insects. Lacewing larvae are often called 'trash carriers' or 'junk bugs' because they carry the remains of their prey on their backs. They have two pairs of hollow jaws that they use to suck out the body fluids of their prey. Lacewings are well-suited to outdoor tree and vine crops and can be released in orchards and vineyards to boost natural populations or re-establish them after pesticide use.
Parasitic wasps, including the species Aphidius spp., are a large group of hymenopteran superfamilies. They are parasitoids, meaning they lay their eggs on or in the bodies of other arthropods, causing the death of these hosts. Different species of parasitic wasps specialize in different types of hosts, such as Lepidoptera, beetles, flies, bugs, and even spiders. Most female wasps have a long, sharp ovipositor at the tip of their abdomen, which they use to inject their eggs into the host. Parasitic wasps are beneficial to agriculture as they help control pests.
Nematodes are microscopic roundworms that can be plant or animal parasites. Plant-parasitic nematodes live in plant roots and other plant parts, causing disease. They are a particular problem in Western Australia due to the region's Mediterranean-type climate, which allows pests and diseases to survive over summer and cause outbreaks in broadacre crops. Effective management of plant-parasitic nematodes is essential to minimize their impact on farming systems.
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Organic pesticides: neem oil, diatomaceous earth, and insecticidal soaps
Neem oil is an organic insecticide that can be used to control a broad range of chewing and sucking insects, including caterpillars, curl grubs, aphids, mites, and fungus gnats. It is made from extracts of the neem tree and works by suppressing insect appetite and restricting growth. To use neem oil, dilute it according to the product instructions and spray it on your kale plants. Reapply every seven days, being careful not to ingest it directly. Note that neem oil can be toxic to bees.
Diatomaceous earth (DE) is another organic and safe pesticide option. It is made from the fossilised remains of microscopic shells and can be used to control pests around your plants, seeds, pets, and livestock. DE works by puncturing the insect's exoskeleton and absorbing its body fluids, posing no harm to non-insect life. It can be dusted on plants or applied as a barrier on the soil surface to deter and kill garden pests.
Insecticidal soaps can be used to help control harlequin bugs and imported cabbage worms. They do not kill the bugs directly but soften their shells, making other insecticides more effective. These soaps can be used on edible crops, but it is important to check the label and avoid spraying in sunny conditions to prevent damage to the plants.
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Insecticides: spinosad and pyrethrins
Insecticides are a powerful tool in the gardener's toolkit, offering targeted treatment once an infestation has been identified. When it comes to kale, a vegetable that is particularly susceptible to pests, insecticides can be a gardener's best friend.
Spinosad is a popular organic insecticide derived from naturally occurring bacteria. It is effective when sprayed directly onto affected areas, making it a good choice for tough pests like cabbage loopers. It works by affecting the nervous system of the pests. However, it should be used judiciously as it can also harm beneficial insects and pollinators. Recent research has shown that even very low concentrations of spinosad can have profound effects on beneficial insect species, including vision loss and neurodegeneration.
Pyrethrins are another natural insecticide, derived from a collective of related compounds. They are extremely popular due to their powerful insecticidal properties and low environmental impact. Pyrethrins work by blocking the nerve junctions of insects, causing their nervous impulses to fail and leading to death. They are safe for use around humans and animals and are one of the least toxic insecticides available. They are also quickly broken down by sunlight and air, reducing the risk commonly associated with other insecticides. Pyrethrins are particularly effective at flushing pests from their hiding spots, making them easier to eliminate.
When using insecticides to protect kale, it is important to act swiftly at the first sign of pest damage. It is also crucial to follow label instructions and consider the impact on the environment and non-target organisms.
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Frequently asked questions
There are a number of pests that are known to eat kale. These include cabbage worms, aphids, slugs, snails, and rabbits.
Inspect your kale plants for signs of pests. Look for small green grubs, caterpillars, or beetles. You may also see teeth marks on the stems, which could indicate rabbits or rats.
You can use physical barriers such as nets or fences to protect your kale plants. You can also try organic methods such as insecticidal soaps, neem oil, or natural predators like ladybugs.
Large groups of aphids can cause a fuzzy or spotted appearance on kale plants. They suck the juices out of the plant, leading to discolored leaves. Aphids also produce a sticky substance called honeydew, which can cause fungal growth.
Btk is a treatment that is effective against cabbage worms. You can also try spraying your plants with spinosad, a natural insecticide derived from bacteria.
