Cole Crops

Alternaria leafspot

Identification tips: Small, dark specks first develop on leaves and later enlarge into circular, tan spots (0.25–0.5 inch in diameter). The disease is favored by moist conditions.

Cabbage looper

Identification tips: Larvae are green, smooth-skinned, about 1.5 inches long, and have two white stripes along each side. They eat ragged holes into leaves, and bore through and contaminate heads and leaves with frass.

Downy mildew

Identification tips: Infection begins as irregular yellow patches on leaves which later turn tan to light brown. White fluffy growth can develop on undersides of leaves. Infection occurs in cool moist weather.

Imported cabbageworm

Identification tips: Larvae are green and hairy with an almost velvetlike appearance. They chew large irregular holes in leaves, bore into heads, and drop greenish brown fecal pellets.

Vertebrates

Identification tips: Mice, voles, and birds will feed on all stages of growth. Look for holes in the soil, seedlings that have been nipped off, or signs of feeding on leaves, curds, or heads. Also look for droppings near plants.

Wind damage / Wind whip

Identification tips: High winds cause girdling and death of small seedlings, and surviving plants may wilt and fail to form a flowering head. Stems become brittle. Seedlings are most susceptible after weeding.