How to get rid of black fleas on cabbage? - briefly
«Apply a targeted treatment such as neem oil or insecticidal soap, covering foliage and stems, and repeat after 7‑10 days.»
«Remove and destroy heavily infested leaves, ensure proper spacing and soil drainage to discourage further infestation.»
How to get rid of black fleas on cabbage? - in detail
Black flea infestations on cabbage demand immediate intervention to prevent yield loss. The pest, a small jumping aphid, feeds on leaf tissue, causing wilting and discoloration. Adult insects lay eggs on the undersides of leaves, and nymphs develop rapidly under warm, humid conditions.
Cultural measures reduce population buildup. Rotate cabbage with non‑host crops for at least two years. Remove plant debris after harvest to eliminate overwintering sites. Select varieties with documented resistance to flea‑type aphids.
Mechanical actions interrupt feeding. Inspect foliage daily; dislodge insects with a strong jet of water. Trim heavily infested leaves and destroy them away from the field. Employ sticky traps along row edges to capture migrating adults.
Biological agents suppress reproduction. Release colonies of ladybird beetles (Coccinellidae) and lacewings (Chrysopidae) at a rate of 5 000 individuals per hectare. Apply preparations containing Beauveria bassiana spores according to label instructions; fungal infection reduces nymph survival by up to 70 %.
Chemical options remain viable when thresholds are exceeded. Use systemic neonicotinoids such as thiamethoxam at 25 g ha⁻¹, applied as a soil drench before transplanting. For foliar treatment, select pyrethroid formulations (e.g., λ‑cyhalothrin) at 30 ml ha⁻¹, ensuring coverage of leaf undersides. Observe pre‑harvest intervals and resistance management guidelines.
Monitoring integrates all tactics. Deploy yellow‑coloured sticky cards at canopy height; replace weekly and count captures to assess population trends. Initiate control measures when trap counts exceed 15 insects per card per day. Record weather data, as temperatures above 20 °C accelerate development and may require intensified actions.
Preventive planning combines crop rotation, resistant cultivars, biological augmentations, and timely chemical applications. Consistent scouting and record‑keeping ensure rapid response, maintaining cabbage health and marketable yield.