| pest/disease | type | symptoms on turnips | control/prevention |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Insect pest | Tiny, soft-bodied green or black insects cluster on leaves and young shoots. They suck the sap from the plant, leading to yellowing, curling, and distortion of leaves. | Remove aphids by hand, or spray the plants with insecticidal soap or neem oil. |
| Cabbage root fly | Insect pest | Larvae of the fly tunnel through the roots of young plants, leading to wilting and death. | Cover plants with fine mesh netting, or use biological controls such as nematodes or parasitic wasps. |
| Clubroot | Fungal disease | The roots become swollen and distorted, and the plants become stunted and yellow. | Rotate crops, avoid planting turnips in the same soil for several years, and add lime to raise the soil pH. |
| Cutworms | Insect pest | Larvae of the moth cut through the base of seedlings, causing them to topple over. | Protect seedlings with collars made from cardboard or plastic, or use biological controls such as parasitic nematodes or predatory beetles. |
| Flea beetles | Insect pest | Small, black or brown beetles that jump like fleas when disturbed. They chew small holes in leaves, leading to a stippled appearance. | Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to the plants, or cover with fine mesh netting. |
| Powdery mildew | Fungal disease | A white, powdery coating develops on leaves, stems, and flowers. The leaves may become distorted or discolored, and the plant may be stunted. | Spray the plants with a fungicide containing sulfur, or remove and destroy infected leaves and plants. |
| Root maggots | Insect pest | Larvae of the fly tunnel through the roots, causing wilting and death. | Cover plants with fine mesh netting, or use biological controls such as nematodes or parasitic wasps. |
| White rust | Fungal disease | White, pimple-like growths develop on leaves and stems, spreading to cover the entire plant. The leaves may yellow and fall off. | Remove and destroy infected plants, and sterilize tools and pots to prevent spreading the disease. |
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from the leaves and stems of plants. They are common pests in home gardens and can cause serious damage to turnip crops.
Symptoms
Aphids usually congregate on the undersides of leaves and at the tips of new growth. They reproduce rapidly and can quickly form large colonies. The first sign of an aphid infestation is often distorted or curled leaves, stunted growth, and yellowing or wilting of leaves. Aphids also excrete a sticky substance called honeydew, which can attract ants and promote the growth of black sooty mold on the leaves.
Control or Prevention
The best way to control aphids is through prevention. Keep your garden healthy by watering regularly, fertilizing appropriately, and avoiding over-crowding of plants. Encourage natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings by planting flowers that attract them. If you do spot aphids on your turnip plants, try blasting them off with a strong jet of water from a hose. You can also apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to the affected areas. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully and avoid spraying during hot or sunny weather. Regular monitoring of your plants can help you catch aphid infestations early before they cause too much damage.
Cabbage Root Fly
Cabbage root fly (Delia radicum) is a common pest that can damage turnips, as well as other brassica vegetables like cabbage, broccoli, and kale. The adult flies are small and look similar to houseflies. They lay eggs in the soil around the base of the plant, and the larvae that hatch from these eggs feed on the roots of the plant, causing wilting and stunted growth.
Symptoms of cabbage root fly infestation include yellowing leaves, wilting, and poor growth. You may also see small white maggots in the soil around the base of the plant.
To prevent cabbage root fly, it's important to practice good garden hygiene by removing any old plant debris and using clean soil. You can also cover your plants with a fine mesh netting to prevent the adult flies from laying their eggs near the base of the plant. Alternatively, you can use a biological control like nematodes to target the larvae in the soil.
If you do notice an infestation of cabbage root fly, you can try applying an insecticidal dust to the soil around the base of the plant. However, it's important to read and follow the instructions carefully to avoid harming beneficial insects or your plants themselves.
Clubroot
Clubroot is a common disease that affects turnips and other brassica crops. It is caused by a soil-borne pathogen called Plasmodiophora brassicae. This disease causes the roots to become swollen and distorted, forming "clubs" or "galls". The infected plants become stunted and yellow, and their leaves may wilt and eventually die. Clubroot can spread quickly and cause significant damage to your crop.
The symptoms of clubroot can be easily spotted in the field. Early signs include yellowing leaves, wilting, and stunted growth. As the disease progresses, the roots become deformed and swollen, forming large knots or clubs. In severe cases, the entire plant can die.
To prevent clubroot from affecting your turnips, it is important to take preventative measures. Avoid planting brassica crops in infected soil, rotate crops regularly, and ensure that the soil has good drainage. If you suspect that your soil is infected with clubroot, consider using resistant varieties of turnips or treating the soil with a fungicide.
Overall, clubroot can be a serious problem for turnip growers. It is important to take preventative measures to avoid the disease and monitor your crops closely for any signs of infection. With careful management, you can enjoy healthy and productive turnip crops year after year.
Cutworms
Cutworms are one of the most common pests that can damage turnips. These caterpillars can be identified by their smooth, hairless bodies and their habit of curling up when disturbed. They are active at night and hide in the soil during the day. Cutworms feed on the stems of young turnip plants, causing them to wilt and die.
Symptoms of cutworm damage include small holes in leaves and stems, withered plants, and cut stems. Cutworms can cause significant damage to a turnip crop, especially if left unchecked.
To prevent cutworm damage, it is important to keep the garden clean and free of debris where they can hide during the day. Placing collars made from cardboard or paper around the base of young plants can also be effective. Applying insecticides can help control cutworm populations, but it is important to follow the instructions carefully to avoid harming beneficial insects.
In conclusion, cutworms are a common pest that can damage turnips if not controlled. By practicing good garden hygiene and using appropriate control measures, beginning gardeners can successfully protect their turnip crops from these pests.
Flea Beetles
Flea beetles are small, shiny, dark-colored beetles that can be a common pest for turnips and other brassicas. These pests are known for their ability to jump like fleas, making them difficult to control once established.
Symptoms
Flea beetles cause small holes in the leaves of the plant, which can stunt growth and eventually kill the plant if left untreated. The holes are usually round and about the size of a pinhead.
Control or Prevention
The best way to prevent flea beetle infestations is to use row covers or insect netting to protect young plants from the beginning. If you do see signs of flea beetle damage, you can try using insecticidal soap or neem oil as a natural control method. For severe infestations, consider using a pyrethrin-based insecticide.
It's important to note that flea beetles can overwinter in garden debris, so be sure to clean up any plant debris at the end of the growing season to help prevent future infestations. Additionally, rotating crops can help reduce the likelihood of flea beetle problems in subsequent years.
By taking preventative measures and monitoring your plants for signs of flea beetle damage, you can keep these pesky pests under control and protect your turnip crop.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease that affects turnips and other plants. It is caused by several species of fungi and can quickly spread in warm and humid conditions.
Symptoms
The first sign of powdery mildew is a white, powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers of turnips. The fungus grows on the surface of the plant, blocking sunlight and reducing photosynthesis. Infected leaves may turn yellow or brown and drop prematurely. Severe infections can stunt the growth of the plant and reduce yield.
Prevention and Control
Preventing powdery mildew is easier than curing it. Here are some tips to prevent powdery mildew:
- Plant resistant varieties
- Space plants properly to improve air circulation
- Water early in the day to allow leaves to dry before evening
- Avoid overhead watering
- Remove infected plant debris
If powdery mildew does occur, here are some control measures:
- Remove infected leaves immediately
- Spray plants with a fungicide labeled for powdery mildew control
- Apply sulfur dust or neem oil to infected plants
Powdery mildew is a common problem in turnip gardening, but with proper prevention and control measures, it can be managed effectively.
Root Maggots
Root maggots are a common pest that affects turnips and other root vegetables such as radishes, onions, and carrots. These tiny larvae of flies feed on the roots of the plants, causing them to wilt and die. Root maggots are most active during the early stages of plant growth, and their damage can result in stunted growth, reduced yield, and even death of the plant.
Symptoms of root maggot infestation include yellowing of leaves, wilting, and stunted growth. Upon closer inspection, you may find small white maggots on the roots of the affected plants.
Preventing root maggots is key to controlling their infestation. One way to do this is by planting turnips or other root vegetables in rotation with non-host crops such as beans or peas. Covering the plants with a floating row cover can also help prevent adult flies from laying their eggs on the soil surface.
If your plants are already infested with root maggots, removing them from the garden and destroying them is the best course of action. You can also apply beneficial nematodes to the soil to kill the larvae. Another effective control measure is to sprinkle diatomaceous earth around the base of the plants. This will help repel adult flies from laying their eggs in the soil.
By taking preventive measures and catching an infestation early, you can effectively control root maggots and enjoy a bountiful harvest of turnips and other root vegetables.
White Rust
White rust is a fungal disease that affects a variety of plants, including turnips. This disease is caused by the pathogen Albugo candida and is more common in cool, damp conditions. The fungus thrives in temperatures between 50°F and 68°F, and in areas with high humidity.
Symptoms
The symptoms of white rust include small, yellowish-white spots on the leaves and stems of the turnip plant. These spots will eventually grow larger and turn brown, causing the leaves to wilt and die. The fungus may also produce white or yellowish spores on the undersides of the leaves.
Control or Prevention
To prevent white rust, it is important to maintain good garden hygiene. This includes removing infected plant debris from the garden, as well as rotating crops to prevent the fungus from building up in the soil. Additionally, avoid overhead watering, as this can create conditions that are favorable for fungal growth.
If you notice signs of white rust on your turnips, remove and destroy infected plants immediately to prevent the spread of the disease. Fungicides can also be used to control white rust, but it is important to follow the instructions carefully and use them sparingly to avoid damaging beneficial insects and pollinators.