Recent rainfalls and moist soil conditions are ideal for cabbage maggot egg and larval survival. The second generation is active presently, however damage levels remain low. Flea beetle activity has been slowed by recent rains in most areas. The threshold for flea beetles is 1 flea beetle per plant up to the 6th true leaf stage. Radishes and Asian greens have a lower tolerance however if the tops are also being sold.
Aphids continue to be seen at low levels on cole crops in many areas.
Currently green peach aphids are the main problem. Although aphids are not a serious problem physically on small cole crops, they may vector virus diseases and should be monitored carefully. Growers of all these crops should be on the lookout for a number of important diseases as the wet conditions continue. Botrytis leaf blight of onions continues to worsen this week as we continue to have significant infection periods in many areas. Spanish onions and transplanted onions are the most susceptible at this stage.