3 (1 = rare 5 = annual)

3 (1 = very little damage 5 = plants killed)

Cabbage, Cauliflower, Broccoli, Brussel sprouts and related crops

Vegetable

• Broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica)
• Brussels Sprouts (Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera)
• Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata)
• Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis)

They attack heads of cabbages, flowers of broccoli, and curds of cauliflowers making them unmarketable. Defoliation can be severe making crop unfit for sale or consumption.

Imported cabbageworm adults are white or yellowish-white butterflies with black spots on the wings. They first appear in mid April and they continue to be a problem until mid September. The butterflies fly during the day and lay eggs singly on the leaves of cole crops. The eggs hatch into velvet-green larvae that feed on the upper surface of the leaf leaving the midribs intact. The bright green pupa is attached to the lower surface of the leaf by a silky thread. The pest overwinters as pupae in crop debris. The life cycle is about 5 weeks and 3-6 generations can occur in a year.

Consider using Bt insecticides, early planting and/or floating row covers in small gardens.

Home, Yard & Garden Pest Guide
The Home, Yard & Garden Pest Guide (C1391) provides is written for homeowners and other residents and provides nonchemical and current chemical recommendations for controlling pests associated with trees, shrubs, turf, flowers, groundcovers, vegetables, fruit, and houses. In addition, you'll find detailed information about integrated pest management, pesticide safety, and pesticide application and calibration techniques. This publication may be purchased at your local University of Illinois Extension Unit office, or by calling 800-345-6087, or by placing an order online (search for "C1391").
Visit site >>

Illinois Commercial Landscape and Turfgrass Pest Management Handbook
The Illinois Commercial Landscape and Turfgrass Pest Management Handbook (ICLT) is written for professional applicators and provides nonchemical and current chemical recommendations as well as application timing information for all major pests of turf, woody ornamentals and herbaceous ornamentals. This publication may be purchased at your local University of Illinois Extension Unit office, or by calling 800-345-6087, or by placing an order online (search for "ICLT").
Visit site >>

U of IL - Distance Diagnosis through Digital Imaging
A free plant, weed, insect and disease identification service available through your local University of Illinois Extension office. Center Educators or State Specialists review & respond to information and digital images submitted by local Extension office personnel. Some samples may require further examination or culture work (nominal fee involved) at the U of IL Plant Clinic.
Visit site >>

U of IL - Plant Clinic
Services include plant and insect identification, diagnosis of disease, insect, weed and chemical injury (chemical injury on field crops only), nematode assays, and help with nutrient related problems, as well as recommendations involving these diagnoses. Microscopic examinations, laboratory culturing, virus assays, and nematode assays are some of the techniques used in the clinic.
Visit site >>