Allotment Gardening Advice Help Chat

Growing => Grow Your Own => Topic started by: andyww2013 on July 23, 2018, 07:35

Title: Yellow spots on Kale - advice please
Post by: andyww2013 on July 23, 2018, 07:35

Hi,

I've noticed some yellow spots on my kale, does anyone know what they are and how to get rid?

I've attached a picture.

Thanks.

Title: Re: Yellow spots on Kale - advice please
Post by: bazial on July 23, 2018, 07:56

They are White Cabbage Butterfly eggs that will turn into Caterpillars and eat the leaves  ,so crush the eggs with your fingers .Are the Kale covered with netting if not cover Kale and all Cabbages .

Title: Re: Yellow spots on Kale - advice please
Post by: andyww2013 on July 23, 2018, 08:08

Thanks.  Does it need to be covered with enviromesh type material or would a bird type netting suffice?

Title: Re: Yellow spots on Kale - advice please
Post by: AnneB on July 23, 2018, 10:20

You will need enviromesh or debris netting with the central holes sewn up to keep butterflies out.   They will fly straight through bird netting given the size of hole.

Title: Re: Yellow spots on Kale - advice please
Post by: Dr_Pepper on July 23, 2018, 11:07

I notice some aphid and whitefly there; don't forget to squash them too

Title: Re: Yellow spots on Kale - advice please
Post by: andyww2013 on July 23, 2018, 14:48

Thanks.

Is there any spray (ie soapy water) that can be used?

Title: Re: Yellow spots on Kale - advice please
Post by: Goosegirl on July 23, 2018, 14:48

Make sure your netting is well clear of the kale leaves or the tinkers will lay eggs through it!

Title: Re: Yellow spots on Kale - advice please
Post by: New shoot on July 24, 2018, 08:03

Quote from: andyww2013 on July 23, 2018, 14:48

Thanks.

Is there any spray (ie soapy water) that can be used?

Soapy water will get aphids and at least reduce the whitefly, but the yellow butterfly eggs need squashing.  Its not the greatest job, but better than squashing caterpillers.