Alabama Extension reminds vegetable producers to be on the lookout for yellowmargined leaf beetles. They are a threat to turnips, cabbages and other cool season crops.
According to the Alabama Vegetable IPM Facebook page, yellowmargined leaf beetles have returned in large numbers this season. They can cause significant leaf and root damage.
Alabama Extension reports that the adult beetles are about five millimeters long, dark brown with a yellow wing margin. Eggs are bright orange, have an oval shaped and are laid in masses. Caterpillars are dark brown with a black head.
Caterpillars feed together in mass during the early instar stage and then scatter later. They can cause extensive leaf feeding, and crop damage can occur very quickly.
Scouting remains one of the grower’s best defense systems. Producers should look for adult beetles aggregating on leaf surfaces. Turnips and napa cabbage are susceptible to the adults, especially when compared to other crucifer crops. Turnips should be scouted every week to detect the growing populations.
