[Griffo]

My PSB plants are displaying some worrying signs, although they seem to be growing quite well (about 18 inches now).

Some of the leaves are distorting and curling, as though they were infested with mealy aphids, but I cannot see the cause. Would whitefly cause this effect?

[Griffo]

Something else that has manifested itself today is the plants are wilting now the rain has stopped and the sun has appeared.

I know this is a symptom of root fly, so I pulled up one plant that was way behind the others and looking 'blueish'. I couldn't find anything wrong around the roots.

These plants have grown strongly up to now so surely root fly would have got to them when they were much smaller? I also put cardboard discs around the base of each plant when they were transplanted.

Any ideas please?

[Goosegirl]

It sounds as though something is attacking the roots. I'm thinking ants, vine weevil, cut worms and the like, or perhaps something in the soil - does this aminopyralid affect PSB and have you used manure that might have it? Have you or anyone else used a weedkiller in the vicinity? Are your other plants ok especially other brassicas?

[Griffo]

thanks for the reply Goosegirl.

I haven't seen any indication of ants. The soil was well prepared before planting out the seedlings and no signs of cutworms etc. then.

The seedlings were about 8" went transplanted and have grown another foot since and were looking really sound until the last few days, when the leaf curling (some leaves not all)  and then the wilting started. There is some colour leaching associated with the curling.

I did find a small caterpillar on one yesterday, that I couldn't identify. It was about 1/2" long, semi-transparent, very pale brown/cream with slight markings (white/grey) at the 'thick end'. It moved across my hand quite quickly (until I squashed it!).

Have only added BF&B and chicken muck pellets prior to planting. No weedkiller used. All other plants are fine.

[lisa80]

mine are growing well but sprouting head is coming up at about enough for a mouthful size!!!!!so greedy me leaves it and yes you guessed it ,lovely yellow flowers!!! thatlll teach me 

[aelf]

they might just be hungry! try a bit of liquid feed on them, give em a bit of a boost! 

[lisa80]

will do thanks tis pouring with rain here so might get down tomorrow.