Vegetables> Turnip> Pests

Aphids (Myzus persicae, Brevicoryne brassicae, Lipaphis erysimi)

The pest attacks both the seedlings as well as the mature crop. The nymphs and adults suck the cell sap and devitalize plants. Affected parts become discolored and malformed. High humidity favours rapid multiplication of this pest. The aphids are mostly observed on the lower surface of the leaves.

Control: Spraying of Monocrotophos (0.05%) or Malathion (0.1%) at 10-15 days interval contains aphid population effectively. To prevent recurrence of the pest granular insecticides like Phorate @ 1.0 kg a.i./ha should be applied to soil.

Mustard Sawfly ( Athalia proxima )

The pest attack is observed in the vegetative and flowering stage of the crop. The adult female lays eggs inside the leaf tissue. The grubs after hatching from the eggs feed on the leaves by making small holes.

Control: Hand picking of larvae when the area involved is small, or spraying with Malathion 50 EC (1ml/litre of water) twice at an interval of 10 days is recommended.