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Vegetable Gardening

Brussel Sprouts- ID pests please (pics)

16 years ago

Well I have been wondering whether to squirt the brussel sprouts with the liquid Sevin. This year I have 8 plants, last year I had 4. They didnt do well last year, they had the same holes in the leaves. They were all dime sized, not even worth picking.

This year I was more hopeful since I have successfully grown them before last year but now something is eating the leaves again. I found the two pests below and photographed them. One is a green worm and the other resembles a tick. If you look closely there are remains of something black resembling excrement inside the stems. I spent alot of time looking for bugs but I cant see anything except ONE little green worm and about 3 of those black ticky looking things.

Anybody know if these little guys are anything to worry about? Should I just zap all the plants with Sevin?

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Comments (3)

justaguy2
16 years ago
the first pic is either a generic bug or a flea beetle, can't be sure. The second pic is a cabbage worm (moth larvae).

The caterpillar is controllable with BT (dipel or thuricide) and the flea beetle is controllable with pyrethrins and often neem oil will stop their feeding (the worm's too).

Sevin is a more toxic remedy that has a waiting period before harvest, but will deal with both just fine.
marial1214
Original Author
16 years ago
I'm aware of the harvest waiting period, thanks.

I just love brussel sprouts. I really hope they work this year for me. They top my list, under tomatoes, that is.
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digdirt2
16 years ago
The little black guy is a tick. He isn't interested in your brussel sprouts - just hanging out there.;)

The little green worm is called a cabbage looper and he is the one eating the holes in your leaves. BT dust (Dipel) easily controls them and is quite safe to use. Or you can just pick them off and squish them as many of us do.

Should I just zap all the plants with Sevin?

I wouldn't as its use is quite controversial. But if that is your choice of insecticide...sure you can. They are your plants after all. ;) But I would like to suggest that first you do a search here on Sevin. You'll find hundreds of discussions about it you might want to review. Good luck.

Dave

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