INSECT PEST IN ROOT

CROPS

GROUP 5
Crisel joy Ubias
Zekiah Dumayag
Lyndon Simon Sumauang
Raven Amores
INTRODUCTION
Root crops are a type of vegetable crop that are grown for
their edible roots or underground storage organs such as
carrots, potatoes, beets, radishes etc. These crops are widely
cultivated and consumed around the world and play an
important role in global food security.
As with any crop, root crops are susceptible to various
types of pests, including both major and minor pests. Some
common insect pests that can attack root crops including
aphids, flea beetles, cutworms, root maggots and
wireworms. These insects can cause significant damage to
the crop, leading to reduced yield and quality.
KINDS OF ROOT CROPS
BEETS(Beta vulgaris)
CARROTS(Daucus carota)
POTATOES(Solanum tuberosum)
RADISHES(Raphanus sativus)
BODY
BEETS(Beta vulgaris)
The beetroot is the taproot portion
of a beet plant usually known in
North America as beets while the
vegetable is referred to as beetroot
in British English and also known
as the table beet, garden beet, red
beet, dinner beet, or golden beet
PEST IN BEETS
1.Aphids
2.Beet Cyst Nematodes
3.Beet leafhopper
4.Beet webworms
5.Blister beetles
6.Cutworms
7.European Corn Borers
8.Flea beetles
9.Leafminers
10. Rove beetles
11.Seed corn Maggots
12.Spider mites
13.Vegetables Maggots
 APHIDS(Aphis gossypii)

Aphids range in color from nearly

black to nearly white, with some that
are tan, orange, green, or red. All are
tiny and pear-shaped.
Young aphids are called nymphs. They
molt, shedding their skin about four
times before becoming adult and also
there is no pupal stage.
How can the damage occur?
They suck on the sap of plants, leaving behind a sticky residue called honeydew, which
also attracts ants and creates the perfect environment for fungi.
What the damage look like?
A large infestation may cause leaves to curl and yellow. They can stunt leaf and root
growth as well.
Pest Management activity
Blast the plant with a strong spray of water from the hose as first line to attack.
Encourage beneficial insects like parasitic wasps, ladybugs, lacewings, soldier beetles,
and syrphid flies, in short apply biological control. If it still have a problem, wiped the
stems and undersides of leaves with canola oil.
Canola oil creates a physical barrier that prevents plant infection by fungi.
BEET CYST NEMATODES
(Heterodera schachtii Schmidt)

Beet cyst nematodes can remain

viable in the soil for many years,
containing up to 600 eggs. The
life cycle completes in 300
degree days above a base
temperature of 10 degree celsius.
How can the damage occur?
Beet cyst nematode can parasitise plants of all ages. Seedling attack can result in severe
injury or even plant death. Damage is less notable when older plants are attacked.
Nematodes feed on plant roots, reducing the plants ability to take up nutrients and water.
What does the damage look like?
It can cause leaves and roots to be stunted and malformed. On the top of that, older leaves
wilt and turn yellow. If you dig up the plants and notice that the roots have yellowish cysts
along with the few of these other symptoms ,the plants have a nematode problem.
Pest management activity
The most reliable practices are preventive including sanitation and choice of plant varieties.
We can reduce existing infestations through fallowing, crop rotation, and soil solarization.
First dig up the soil to two feet deep and turn it over so that its exposed to the sun. Let it sit
for a week, do this a few times before planting there again. Solarization of the soil helps to
kill off the nematodes. Next, rotate the crop so that nothing in the Beta genus grows there for
three years.
BEET LEAFHOPPERS
(Circulifer tenellus)

The beet leafhopper is a

tiny pale green or tan bug
with darker, blotchy
markings. Its about a
tenth of a inch in length,
with translucent wings.
How can the damage occur and what does the damage look
like?
They spread beet curly top virus an often devastating disease that can causes
plants turn yellow and stop growing.

Pest management activity

Remove any weeds or debris from the garden in the fall at the end of the
season. Then use floating row covers while the beets are growing.
BEET
WEBWORMS(Spoladea
recurvalis)

Beet webworms are the

larvae of moths in the
Crambidae family. The
webworms vary in
appearance with some being
olive green while others are
yellow or bright green,
sometimes with black
stripes. They range from
just under an inch long to an
inch and a half long.
How can the damage occur and what does the damage look
like?
The worms chew through leaves and they can skeletonize a plant rapidly if
there are enough of them. They also curl or bind leaves together and use silky
threads to make a cozy spot to hide. One day we may discover that the plants
are covered in nest-like webs. However, this isn’t a nest that the worms creates
in order to pupate. They do that underground, where they form cocoons.
Instead, these are homes where they shelter in between meals. When we look
closely, we able to spot them hanging out inside. Because the leaves are all
bound up or chewed through not only can this slow growth, but we won’t be
able to enjoy all those tasty beet leaves.

Pest management activity

Use Bacillus thuringiensis to control loosen of beet leaves or if have plants
that are being defoliated rapidly enough that worried this could stunt root
growth.
Blister beetles
Blister beetles are small
pests half an inch to an inch
long that can be gray, tan,
black, or red, striped or
spotted. There are dozens of
species in the Meloidae
family that feed on plants.
How can then damage occur and what does the damage look
like?
Blister beetles also eat grasshopper eggs. But they have a toxn on their
exteriors called cantharidin that can irritate the skin and harm livetock if they
ingest it.
The adults feeds on foliage starting in the midsummer so if the beets are out of
the ground before then, we wont have to worry about this pest. But for
summer or fall crops be on the lookout.
Pest management activity
If they seriously defoliating the beets, put a pair of gloves and pick these pests
off of plants. In addition, if the beets are heavily impacted use a pesticide that
contains pyrethrins like Monterey Take Down Garden Spray.
CUTWORMS
(Noctuidae)
Cutworms are the larvae of
flying night moths in the
Noctuidae family. They range
in color from light gray to
bright green or dark brown
and their skin appears to have
a greasy texture. All are about
an inch or two long and they
have no hair, unlike some
other types of caterpillars.
How can the damage occur and what does it look like?
They chew through the base of the beet foliage at the soil level killing the plants. Also they only attacked
beets during nights and you discover in the morning that the beet foliage lying dead on the ground. Some
cutworms feed on young leaves and stems in addition to cutting the stems down.

Pest management activity

As a preventive step, start by clearing the planting area of any weeds before you sow your seeds.
Throughout the growing season be sure to keep any weeds at least three feet away from your beets. At
planting time, you should also leave a three-foot-wide patch of soil in between the beets and the lawn. This
is important if you are growing beets in the ground or in raised beds that are open on the bottom in an area
near where is growing. Next, the most effective method to keep them away from your beets is also
surprisingly simple, you can use cardboard or a plastic container to create a barrier. Moreover, we
recommend transplanting of beets since the alternative could be losing plants entirely, start them indoors in
biodegradable pots.
EUROPEAN CORN BORERS
(Ostrinia nubilalis)
The larvae which do all the
damage are pinkish- brown
with black dots on their
bodies and brown heads. The
adults are inch long yellow
or brown moths.
How can the damage occur and what does it look like?
The larvae will bore into above- ground veggies like corn, and peppers they
only eat the foliage on beets.

Pest management activity

Handpick these little pests if you spot them. Lacewings and ladybugs love to
munch on these pests, apply biological control. If all that fails break out the
Bacillus thuringiensis.
FLEA BEETLES
(Alticini)
Flea beetles get their name
because they jump around
like fleas when you disturb
them. But instead of
nibbling on furry friends
they prefer to nibble on the
leaves of a range of plants
leaving behind tiny shot
holes.
How can the damage occur and what does it look like?
They can damage your beets enough that the roots will be stunted or they can
even kill the plants. There are dozens of varieties of these little bugs but the
damage they can cause and available control methods are the same for all
types.

Pest management activity

Floating row covers are by far your most reliable and effective option. Put
them in place when we plant the crops, and leave them until ready to harvest.
Otherwise, trap crops are also effective, plant radishes which are favorite of
flea beetles a few feet away from the beets.
LEAFMINERS
(Liriomyza sativae)
Leafminers are the larvae
of flies from the genera
Liriomyza and pegomya.
How can the damage occur and what does it look like?
These little pests chew tunnels in winding maze-like patterns through the
leaves of beet plants. If they get into the plants early in the season when young
seedlings are the most vulnerable or if you have a lot of them, this can reduce
the size or the beetroots and cause leaves to drop.

Pest management activity

Floating row covers are an effective way to keep the flies from landing on the
plants and laying eggs, but we need to get the covers on right when we put the
seeds or seedlings in the ground and keep there until the harvesting.
ROVE BEETLES
(Staphylinidae)
Rove beetles also known as
darkling beetles are a group
of half inch insects from the
genera Blapstinus or
Staphylinid that have
bluish-black or dark brown
carapaces.
How can the damage occur and what does it look like?
They mostly hide during the day and pop out at night to feed on stems and
seedlings. The beneficial of these insect is to help out the farmers who have
livestock by turning feces into usable manure. But in the vegetable patch they
are not welcome.

Pest management activity

Keep weeds away so they wont have a lace to hide. While they usually aren’t
a major problem, if you find that they are really doing a number to the crops,
a pesticide containing carbaryl like Sevin will kill them. Carbaryl is a
potential carcinogen and the manufacturer recommends not to use it within
seven days of harvest for roots and 14 days for greens, use this as a last
resort.
SEED CORN MAGGOTS
(Deltia platura)
The seed corn maggots are
about a quarter inch long and
whitish yellow.
How can the damage occur and what does it look like?
The seed corn maggot (Delia platura) attacks numerous crops that grow
underground. These pest consume germinanting seeds and can totally destroy
a crop before it even gets started.

Pest management activity

If the seedlings don’t emerge dig the seeds up and look to see if there are
maggots inside. Since the pest is larger than a beet seed they will be obvious.
It will see them with their heads burrowed into the seed and the rest of their
body sticking out. Otherwise, you can avoid them by starting new seedlings
indoors and transplanting them outdoors when the plants are a few inches tall.
SPIDER MITES
(Tetranychidae)
Spider mites are an
extremely common and hard
to spot pest. While numerous
species of mites will attack
beets, they are most
commonly see strawberry
mites and two- spotted spider
mites.
How can the damage occur and what does it look like?
These spider relatives of weave webs which are the first things we might notice.
Regardless of the variety of mite that pays the crop a visit they all do the same
damage. They eat from the undersides of leaves which can cause which can cause
white or yellow spots on beet foliage. This damage can eventually merge and cause
leaves to drop. Spider mites look for stressed plants, particularly those growing in
hot, dry conditions. They use their needlelike mouthparts to suck the fluid out of
plants.

Pest management activity

Apply biological control which is encourage beneficial insects to eat all the spider
mites like ladybugs, thrips, pirate bugs and lacewings. Otherwise if you spot a few
webs on the plants spray them off with strong blast of cold water. Particularly, to
the undersides of leaves where mites like to hang out. Try also a weekly application
of neem oil if you want something stronger treatment.
VEGETABLE MAGGOTS
(Delia radicum )
Vegetable maggots feed on the
roots of plants which is
dangerous to eat. It looks almost
identical to the seed corn
maggots as well, aboutva
quarter inch long and cream-
colored.
How can the damage occur and what does it look like?
These maggots chew tunnels into the surface of beetroots and completely
devour the finer foot hairs. Above ground plants will look stunted, wilted, and
weak. Leaves may turn yellow or mottled or they may have purpling on the
edges. Not only do they damage plants, these pests can also introduce
diseases.

Pest management activity

Place a yellow sticky traps at ground a level in the garden to attract the
maggots. Catching a few will make it easier to identify them. Try placing traps
a few inches above the ground to catch a few adults as well. To avoid the
emerging maggots wait to transplant beets into the garden until late May. Use
floating row covers in the fall to prevent the adult flies from landing and
laying eggs. Crop rotation will also help to keep vegetable maggots under
control. Do not plant beets where any other beet or brassica plants have been
grown for at least four years.
 TURNIPS(Brassica rapa)

The turnip or white turnip is a root

vegetable commonly grown in
temperate climates worldwide for its
white, fleshy taproot.

PEST IN TURNIPS
Turnip aphids
Turnip Flea beetle
TURNIP APHIDS(Lipaphis erysimi)

These aphids are dark to olive

green and have apparent
cornicles, which are shorter than
those of the green peach aphid.
 CARROTS(Daucus carota)
A tapering orange-colored root eaten as a vegetable. The cultivated feathery-
leaved plant of the parsley family that yields this vegetable.

PEST IN CARROTS
Carrot rust fly
Carrot weevil
Aphids
Carrot rust fly(Psila rosae)

The carrot rust fly is a significant pest

that can cause serious damage to
carrot crops. The adult flies emerge in
early spring and lay eggs on or near
carrot plants. The eggs hatch into
larvae that burrow into the roots and
feed on the carrots tissue. The larvae
mature and pupate in the soil emerging
as adults in late summer or fall.
Carrot weevil(Listronotus oregonensis)
The carrot weevil is another
major pest that can cause
significant damage to root crops.
The adult weevils feed on foliage
and lay eggs in the soil near the
roots. The larvae that hatch from
the eggs burrow into the roots
and feed on the carrot tissue. The
larvae mature and pupate in the
soil emerging as adults the
following spring.
Willow-carrot Aphid
(Cavariella aegopodii)

Aphids are a common insect

pest that can infest carrot
crops. They feed on the plant
sap and can cause stunted
growth and leaf distortion.
Aphids reproduce quickly and
can produce many generations
in a single growing season.
How can the damage occur?
The damage to carrot crops can occur in different ways depending on the pest.
Carrot rust fly and carrot weevil larvae burrow into the roots and feed on
the carrot tissue, causing damage to the roots system and reducing the yield
and quality of the crop. Willow-carrot Aphid feed on the plant sap and can
cause stunted growth and leaf distortion which can also affect the yield and
quality of the crop.

What does the damage look like?

Signs of insect damage in carrots can include stunted growth, wilting,
yellowing or browning of the foliage, and damaged or deformed roots. In
severe cases the entire crop may be lost.
Pest management activity

Effective pest management for carrot crops may involve a combination of

cultural, biological and chemical control. Cultural control measures include
crop rotation using disease-resistant varieties and maintaining proper soil
moisture and fertility levels. Biological control measures involve using natural
enemies such as predators or parasitoids to control the pest population.
Chemical control measures involve using insecticides to kill the pests, but
these should be used as last resort and only after careful consideration of their
potential environmental impact. For example stick traps can be used to
monitor adult carrot rust flies and reduce their numbers while row covers can
be used to exclude the adult carrot weevils from the plants. Additionally,
beneficial insects such as lady beetles and lacewings can be introduced to the
field to feed on aphids and other pests.
RADISH(Raphanus sativus)

The radish root can be eaten fresh in salads or cooked with other ingredients
such as meat. The leaves of the plant are also edible and can be used as a salad
green.

PEST IN RADISH
Cutworm
Aphids
Fleabeetles
Root maggots
Variegated cutworm
(Peridroma saucia)
 Eggs: Tiny, white-brown spheres (black
cutworm) or half-spheres (variegated
cutworm), with ribs radiating from center,
laid on foliage in clusters of up to several
hundred.  
 Larvae: Stout caterpillars with rough skin,
almost 2” long when full grown (there are
usually 6 instars). Black cutworm: uniformly
gray/brown to nearly black, somewhat greasy
sheen. Variegated cutworm: brownish/gray
to grayish/black with yellow-white spots on
its back and a dark “W” mark on its 8th
abdominal segment of last instar (growth
stage).
 Pupae:  Dark brown/mahogany colored case,
¾ - 1” long, in a chamber near soil surface.
 Adults: Moths with up to 2"
wingspan. Black cutworm: wings uniformly
dark brown with black “dash” marking on
forewing. Variegated cutworm:  wings
grayish/brown with darker bean-shaped spot
and smaller round spot usually visible on
each wing.
How can the damage occur?
Seedlings or even transplants are cut off at the soil line or disappear entirely
at night (dragged underground into cutworm burrows). Feeding damage
appears on foliage, fruit, or buds, often without any pest visible during the
day. Variegated cutworms may tunnel into tomatoes or cabbage and
cauliflower heads. Cutworms may feed on storage roots or tubers, making
smooth cavities.

What does the damage look like?

Dull gray, brown, or black caterpillars. They are active at night and can be
found in the soil by day. They cut off young plants at ground level, or feed
on foliage, buds, and bloom of older plants.
Pest management activity
Till soil to disrupt possible overwintering sites, exposing pests
to predators and freezing temperatures. Larger transplants better
withstand damage. Pre-sprouting seeds is also helpful. Floating
cover waters prevents egg-laying and excludes larvae. Protect
seedlings with a 3" cardboard, foil or plastic collar pushed into
soil around plant stems. Discourage cutworms with coarse
materials such as crushed oyster shell, sand, or diatomaceous
earth, placed around plant stems. Handpick larvae, and either
crush them or drop them into a container of soapy water.
Bacillus thuringiensis an organic pesticide, will kill young
larvae.
 RADISH APHIDS(Beauveria bassiana)
 Aphids are small sap-sucking insects and
members of the superfamily Aphidoidea.
Common names include greenfly and
blackfly, although individuals within a
species can vary widely in color. The
group includes the fluffy white woolly
aphids. A typical life cycle involves
flightless females giving live birth to
female nymphs-who may also be already
pregnant, an adaptation scientists call
telescoping generations without the
involvement of males. Maturing rapidly,
females breed profusely so that the number
of these insects multiplies quickly. Winged
females may develop later in the season,
allowing the insects to colonize new
plants. In temperate regions, a phase of
sexual reproduction occurs in the autumn,
with the insects often overwintering as
eggs.
How can the damage occur?
Aphids are among the most destructive insect pests on cultivated plants in
temperate regions. In addition to weakening the plant by sucking sap, they act as
vectors for plant viruses and disfigure ornamental plants with deposits of
honeydew and the subsequent growth of sooty moulds. Because of their ability to
rapidly increase in numbers by asexual reproduction and telescopic development,
they are a highly successful group of organisms from an ecological standpoint.
What does the damage look like?
Aphids are soft-bodied insects that use their piercing sucking mouthparts to feed on
plant sap. They usually occur in colonies on the undersides of tender terminal
growth. Heavily-infested leaves can wilt or turn yellow because of excessive sap
removal. While the plant may look bad, aphid feeding generally will not seriously
harm healthy, established trees and shrubs. Some plants are very sensitive to
feeding by certain aphid species. Saliva injected into plants by these aphids may
cause leaves to pucker or to become severely distorted, even if only a few aphids
are present. Also, aphid feeding on flower buds and fruit can cause malformed
flowers or fruit
 Pest management activity

Insecticides do not always produce reliable results, given resistance to

several classes of insecticide and the fact that aphids often feed on the
undersides of leaves. On a garden scale, water jets and soap sprays are quite
effective. Natural enemies include predatory ladybugs, hoverfly larvae,
parasitic wasps, aphid midge larvae, crab spiders, lacewing larvae, and
entomopathogenic fungi. An integrated pest management strategy using
biological pest control can work, but is difficult to achieve except in enclosed
environments such as greenhouses.
RADISH
FLEA BEETLES(Phyllotreta chotanica)
Flea beetles overwinter as adults in the
soil or beneath plant debris. They
become active in early spring when
temperatures reach 50°F, and begin
feeding on weeds or early-planted crops.
Adults lay eggs in the soil at the base of
host plants in May. Eggs hatch in 7-14
days and larvae feed on various plant
parts until fully grown. They pupate in
earthen cells for 11-13 days before
emerging as adults. Adult flea beetles
are particularly active on warm, calm,
sunny days. Depending upon the
species, there may be 1-3 generations
per year.
How can the damage occur and what does it look like?

Adults feed on both leaf surfaces, but usually on the underside where they
chew small, circular holes through to the upper cuticle. This cuticle often
remains in place for some time before trying and falling out. The circular
holes give the plant a “shot-gun” appearance. Heavy feeding on young plants
may reduce yields or even kill plants in severe cases. Crops grown for their
foliage such as kale, bokchoy, spinach, or mustards may be rendered
unmarketable by flea beetle damage. Larvae feed on the roots and tubers of
susceptible plants but don’t often cause economic damage. Larvae of the
horseradish flea beetle also mine the stem and leaf veins. In addition, many
are vectors of plant pathogens.
 Pest management activity

Adjusting planting dates to avoid damage caused by flea beetles may be

useful. Floating row covers can prevent adults from feeding on leaves and
laying eggs on the crop. If used, row covers should be set up just before the
crop emerges. Water deters adult flea beetles, and any watering should be
done in mid-day. Since flea beetles overwinter near fields, planting after
adults have emerged or rotating crops can help minimize flea beetle damage.
Commercially available nematodes that feed on flea beetle eggs, larvae, and
pupae are available.
This option is recommended when flea beetle populations exceed threshold
levels, particularly early in the season. Soil applied insecticides will provide
season long control. Foliar insecticides can provide quick control but may also
disrupt natural enemies of other pests of cole crops.
 RADISH ROOT MAGGOTS
(Delia planipalpis)

The eggs of the radish root maggots

are about one-eighth of an inch,
white, and oval. The larvae hatching
from the eggs are about one-quarter
inch long and yellowish-white to
creamy white in color. Their legless
bodies are cylinder-shaped without a
distinct head. 
The pupae are about the same length
as the larvae. Their oval bodies are
enclosed in the hardened, red-brown
larva skins. The emerging adult flies
are about one-quarter inch long,
slender, dark gray, or gray-brown in
color. They are about half the size of
the common house fly.
How the damage occur and what does it look like?

Root maggots can cause devastating effects throughout the plant. As they
burrow into the roots of infested crops, they damage the root system,
restricting the uptake of water and nutrients. This causes wilting, yellowing of
leaves, stunted growth, and in severe cases, plant death. The damage is done
by the root maggots, or larvae, and not the adult flies, for effective control. It's
important to familiarize yourself with the all the stages of the insect’s life
cycle. 
 Pest management activity

The most common method for root maggot treatment is biological/organic

control. Common organic cures for root maggot include spreading
diatomaceous earth around the plants while they are seedlings, floating row
covers over seedlings, and using natural predators of root maggots such as
Heterorhabditidae or Steinernematidae nematodes and rove beetles to kill
the root maggots. Root maggot organic control is most commonly used due to
the fact that these pests feed on plants that will be eaten by people.
As with many other pests, prevention of root maggots is much better than
controlling root maggots. Make sure to regularly rotate crops that can be
affected by root maggots, especially in beds where you have had problems
with them in the past. Remove dead vegetation from the garden each fall and
make sure to destroy (not compost) any plants that were infested with root
maggots.
POTATO(Solanum tuberosum)
Potatoes are edible tubers, available worldwide and
all year long. They are relatively cheap to grow,
rich in nutrients, and they can make a delicious
treat.

PEST IN POTATO
Colorado potato beetle
Potato tuber moth
Potato Leafminer fly
Potato Cyst nematodes
Colorado potato beetle(Leptinotarsa decemlineata)

Is a serious pest with strong resistance to

insecticides.
The life cycle of the Colorado potato beetle
starts with the adult as the overwintering
stage and can be as short as 30 days. Adults
dig into the soil to a depth of several inches
and emerge in the spring. They feed on
newly sprouted host plants where they mate.
POTATO TUBER MOTH(Phthorimaea operculella)
Is the most damaging pest of planted and stored
potatoes in warm, dry areas.
Adult female P. operculella can lay over 200 eggs
over their lifespan, depending on environmental
conditions. The eggs are typically oval in shape,
smooth, and have a pearly white to yellowish color.
Potato tuber moth larvae are typically 12-15mm long
and are white or yellow with a brown head and
prothorax. As the larvae matures, its color changes
from white/yellow to pink/green. The pupae of P.
operculella are narrow in width and typically 0.5
inches in length. They are usually white in color and
will take 10–30 days to develop, depending on
environmental conditions. Adult potato tuber moths
are nocturnal and typically are not active until 1–2
hours after sunset. At first they were thought to be
poor fliers until a study by Foley in 1985 showed that
they are actually capable of flying for over 5 hours and
10 kilometers non-stop in laboratory conditions
LEAF MINER FLY(Liriomyza huidobrensis)

Is a South American native common in

areas where insecticides are used
intensively.
Biology of leafminers both leafminer
species have very similar life cycles Both
species survive the winter as pupae. Adult
flies emerge the following April and May.
The flies insert eggs into leaves. Larvae
feed and develop within leaf tissue,
between leaf surfaces, and are active for
about two to three weeks
 POTATO CYST NEMATODES(Globodera
pallida and G. rostochiensis)

Are serious soil pests in temperate

regions, the Andes, and other
highland areas. The three main
stages of the PCN life cycle are the
egg, juvenile, and adult female.
PCN can complete its life cycle in
four weeks under ideal conditions
(soil temperatures at 75° F)
DISEASES
Late blight, the most serious potato disease worldwide, is caused by a water mould,
Phytophthora infestans, that destroys leaves, stems, and tubers. Bacterial wilt,
caused by the bacterial pathogen, leads to severe losses in tropical, subtropical, and
temperate regions. Potato blackleg, a bacterial infection, causes tubers to rot in the
ground and in storage.
 
HOW CAN THE DAMAGE OCCUR AND WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?
 Adult beetles and larvae feed on leaves and terminal growth of their host plants.
The loss of foliage hinders development of tubers or fruit thereby reducing yield.
In cases of heavy infestation, entire plants may be killed. Colorado potato beetle
damage often occurs in isolated spots throughout the field.
A condition known as hopper burn occurs when leafhopper adults and nymphs
damage leaves by sucking the sap on the underside. A toxin secreted as the
leafhoppers feed makes the leaves curl, which is often confused with plant
maturation. Hopper burn can also lead to stunted plants and reduced yields.
Pest management activity
Chemical
It is recommended that you alternate between insecticides from different chemical groups
to reduce the likelihood of pests developing resistance. This method can also increase the
effectiveness of individual applications. Rapid resistance may also occur if you apply less
insecticide than recommended. Be sure to consider chemical costs and length of
effectiveness when choosing the best insecticide for your potato plants.
Non-chemical
Rotating crops may help reduce the number of pests, but this method can be difficult if you
have limited land. If you effectively manage diseases and weeds in your potato plants and
make sure they receive enough water, it will help minimize damage from insects—plants are
more affected if they are under stress.
Biological
Bacillus thuringiensis, a reduced-risk insecticide that helps manage worms and loopers,
can be a good alternative to chemicals. However, if the worms are larger or more mature, or
if the population exceeds threshold levels, then synthetic insecticides would better manage
these pests.
TURNIPS
Cabbage aphid Brevicoryne brassicaea
Symptoms
Large populations can cause stunted growth or even plant death; insects may be visible on the
plant leaves and are small, grey-green in color and soft bodied and are covered with a white waxy
coating; prefer to feed deep down in cabbage head and may be obscured by the leaves
Cause
Insect
Cabbage aphids feed only on cruciferous plants but may survive on related weed species
Management
If aphid population is limited to just a few leaves or shoots then the infestation can be pruned out
to provide control; check transplants for aphids before planting; use tolerant varieties if available;
reflective mulches such as silver colored plastic can deter aphids from feeding on plants; sturdy
plants can be sprayed with a strong jet of water to knock aphids from leaves; insecticides are
generally only required to treat aphids if the infestation is very high - plants generally tolerate low
and medium level infestation; insecticidal soaps or oils such as neem or canola oil are usually the
best method of control; always check the labels of the products for specific usage guidelines prior
to use.
Flea beetles Phyllotreta spp.
Symptoms
Small holes or pits in leaves that give the foliage a characteristic “shothole” appearance; young plants
and seedlings are particularly susceptible; plant growth may be reduced; if damage is severe the plant
may be killed; the pest responsible for the damage is a small (1.5–3.0 mm) dark colored beetle which
jumps when disturbed; the beetles are often shiny in appearance
Cause
Insects

Younger plants are more susceptible to flea beetle damage than older ones; older plants can tolerate
infestation; flea beetles may overwinter on nearby weed species, in plant debris or in the soil; insects
may go through a second or third generation in one year
Management
In areas where flea beetles are a problem, floating row covers may have to be used prior to the
emergence of the beetles to provide a physical barrier to protect young plants; plant seeds early to allow
establishment before the beetles become a problem - mature plants are less susceptible to damage; trap
crops may provide a measure of control - cruciferous plants are best; application of a thick layer of
mulch may help prevent beetles reaching surface; application on diamotecoeus earth or oils such as
neem oil are effective control methods for organic growers; application of insecticides containing
carbaryl, spinosad, bifenthrin and permethrin can provide adequate control of beetles for up to a week
but will need reapplied
Root maggots Delia spp.
Symptoms
Scars and feeding tunnels on surface of turnip; root damage may be
extensive; larvae are white or white-yellow in color, reach approx. 1 cm (0.3
in) in length and taper towards the head; adult insect is a small fly which
resembles a housefly
Cause
Insects
Root maggots will attack all varieties of crucuferous plants; insect overwinters
as pupae in the soil
Management
If root maggots were problematic, avoid planting root crops in same area the
following year; if crops are too badly damaged to harvest remove and destroy
all crop debris; use of floating row covers can dramatically reduce damage to
crops by preventing female flies from laying eggs - note, row covers only
effective where root maggots are not already present.
Wireworms Aeolus spp.
Anchastus spp.
Melanotus spp.
Limonius spp
Symptoms
Death of seedlings; reduced stand; girdled stems and white heads; wireworm
larvae can be found in soil when dug round the stem; larvae are yellow-brown, thin
worms with shiny skin
Cause
Insect

Larval stage can last between 1 and 5 years depending on species

Management
Chemical control impossible in a standing crop, must be applied at preplanting or
as a seed treatment; if wireworms are known to be present in soil fallow field
during summer and till frequently to reduce numbers; rotate to non-host crop
where possible; avoid planting susceptible crops after a wireworm infestation on
cereals without either fallowing of applying appropriate pesticide