CRUCIFLOWER GALLMITE (Contarinia nasturtii) is a fly up to 2 mm long, yellow-brown in color. The larva is white or yellowish, up to 3 mm long. The larvae overwinter in earthen cocoons in the soil. In the spring, usually in May or early June, flies fly out and lay several eggs in the axils of the leaves and between the young leaves at the tops of the shoots. The larvae hatch after 7-q0 days. Adult larvae move into the soil to pupate. The last generation of larvae overwinter in the soil. 2-3 generations develop per year.
Symptoms
This species is found on cabbage, cauliflower and other cruciferous plants. The larvae eat the core leaves, causing them to thicken and often rot. The larvae also damage the growth cone, causing the loss of dormant and lateral buds, resulting in 4-5 tiny cabbage heads.
Host plants
White cabbage, red cabbage, savoy cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli
Control methods
Plants should be sprayed from mid-May until the heads begin to curl, at approximately weekly intervals. Effective and recommended drugs for combating pharyngitis are Mospilan 20SP or Karate Zeon 050CS.
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