Prevent cabbageworm damage
Gardens around the state are beginning to reach their peak for the summer, which also means peaks in the pests that prey on them. As gardens grow, so do the populations of these pests and without proper identification and control, their affects can be devastating.
Even though these soft-bodied, worm-like pests are collectively referred to as cabbageworms, there are several species. Cabbageworms, which belong to the Lepidoptera family, start as caterpillars and become moths or butterflies as adults. The pests feed on brassicas( also known as cole crops or crucifers), such as cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, Brussels sprouts, collard greens and kohlrabi.
If there’ s cabbage or other brassicas left in your garden or if you’ ve seeded a fall crop and have young plants, chances are you’ ve encountered some type of cabbageworm by now.
Imported cabbageworm – This velvety, green caterpillar grows to a length of 1¼ inches and blends in well with the( Photo credit: Rutgers) surrounding leaf. It can often be found near the veins of leaves. As an adult, the imported cabbageworm is a white butterfly with black spotted wings. Like many pests, it overwinters in garden debris.
Cabbage looper – Typically referred to as an inch worm, this off-white to pale green caterpillar can
( Photo credit: University of Maryland)
reach lengths of 1½ inches and feeds on the undersides of leaves. Adult cabbage loopers are semi-nocturnal moths, most active at dusk. The moths overwinter in the south and travel north with storm fronts.
Cross-striped cabbageworm – Full-grown crossstriped cabbageworms are a little longer than ½ inch, making them much smaller than the imported cabbageworm or the cabbage looper. They have numerous horizontal black stripes across bluishgray backs. Along each side of the back is a longitudinal black stripe and with a bright yellow stripe below. The underside of the body is light green, mottled with yellow. Like imported cabbageworms, cross-striped cabbageworms also overwinter in garden debris.
Diamondback cabbageworm – Relatively small compared to other cabbageworms, the diamondback
( Photo credit: University of Arkansas)
( Photo credit: University of Florida)
cabbageworm is no more than ½ inch in length. White changing to green,
Practicing tractor safety prevents accidents
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• Get on and off the tractor safely. Set brakes if there is the slightest chance of rolling. Don’ t mount or dismount when the tractor is moving. Do not jump from the tractor. Keep the mounting steps, handle holds and operator platform clean and dry.
• Hitch to the drawbar only. Never hitch to the axle or seat bracket, as it can cause a backward upset.
• Engage the clutch smoothly and avoid sudden acceleration. Tractors are not designed for recreation,
these caterpillars are the juvenile form of slender, small moths. With poor overwintering ability, diamondback moths invade the eastern United States and Canada with the help of southern winds.
Preventing damage
• Cabbageworm damage can be prevented by creating a barrier( i. e., row cover) between your plants and the adult butterflies and moths.
• Planting early-maturing varieties can reduce exposure as populations of pests will not be at their peak.
• Till under or remove plant debris each year.
• If pesticide control is needed, consider using Bacillus thuringiensis( Bt), which controls cabbageworms but not beneficial insects such as parasitic wasps.
For more information about cabbageworms and damage prevention, contact your local WVU Extension Service office.
By Michael Shamblin, WVU Extension Agent – Clay County
nor for use as a tow truck or to run errands, herd cattle, etc.
• Stay clear of ditch and embankment edges. Edges may be undercut or weakened and not be able to support the weight of the equipment. Implements that slip over the edge will pull the tractor with them.
For more information on tractor safety, contact the WVU Safety and Health Extension at 1-800-626-4748.
By Tom Stockdale, WVU Extension Specialist – Safety and Health
Insert provided by WVU Extension Service and Davis College of Ag., Natural Resources, and Design Summer 2016
West Virginia Farm Bureau News 17