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