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Pests
Cabbage Aphids on Broccoli
Commonly affects: Brassica oleracea var. italica (Broccoli)
Grey-green, waxy-coated aphids cluster densely on the underside of leaves and around developing heads, causing curling and stunted growth.
Potential Causes
- 1Cabbage aphids colonising cool-season brassicas
- 2Ants farming and protecting aphid colonies
- 3Dense plantings supporting rapid colony spread
Solution Steps
- 1Spray colonies off with a strong jet of water
- 2Apply insecticidal soap, ensuring thorough coverage of the waxy coating that protects these aphids
- 3Encourage ladybugs and lacewings as natural predators
- 4Remove heavily infested lower leaves
Prevention Tip
Cabbage aphids' waxy coating makes them more resistant to sprays than typical aphids â thorough, repeated coverage is essential.
