Loopers in celery and cole crops Loopers are reported in celery, cabbage, and broccoli. In celery, pupal cases of loopers are a contaminant at harvest, and are difficult to wash off. Larger loopers are more difficult to control in celery, in part because they feed nearer to the base of the plant. Cole crops are attacked by a variety of caterpillars, including cabbage loopers, imported cabbageworm and diamondback moth. Bt insecticides are effective against imported cabbageworm, diamondback moth, and small loopers and they do not affect the caterpillars' many natural enemies.
Larger loopers can be more difficult to control.
Cabbage loopers are whitish green, up to 1.5 inches long, with white stripes running lengthwise. See Extension Bulletin E-968 for photographs of these pests. Asparagus beetle Large numbers of asparagus beetles have been reported in Oceana County, feeding on asparagus fern. Treatment is recommended if the fern is defoliated 10 percent or more, or when 50 to 75 percent of the plants have larvae. New plantings can tolerate less foliar injury than established plantings.