As a gardening and landscaping expert , I understand the thwarting that cross - stripy bread worm can induce for gardeners . These pests can wreak havoc on cabbage plants and other cruciferous vegetables , causing meaning harm to the leaves and reducing craw output . While there are several methods to control these worms , it ’s important to approach the problem in an environmentally friendly and sustainable mode .
1 . Handpicking : One effective method is to physically remove the worm from your plant . audit your plants regularly and cautiously pick off any visible worms , larvae , or egg . This method works best when the infestation is lowly or localized to a few plants . Be certain to throw away of the worms properly , aside from your garden to prevent reinfestation .
2 . swim row covers : Using floating rowing covers can provide a strong-arm barrier that preclude grownup butterflies , which lay the bollock , from accessing your plants . verify to tightly secure the edge of the dustup covers to prevent any gap that may allow the butterflies to enter . However , keep in thinker that this method acting may also prevent good insects , such as bees , from pollinating your plant life .
3 . Biological control : Introducing born marauder and leech of the crabbed - stripy cabbage dirt ball can be an effective longsighted - terminus solution . For example , the bloodsucking wasp Trichogramma brassicae lays its testicle inside the egg of these worm , kill them before they hatch . you may purchase these beneficial insect from garden supply computer storage or online . Another natural piranha is snort , so attracting them to your garden by providing birdhouses and bird feeders can help keep the worm population in check .
4 . B thuringiensis ( Bt ): Bt is a by nature occur land bacterium that produces proteins toxic to many worm pesterer , including cross - stripy cabbage worms . It is available in various formulation , including atomizer and dusts , which can be applied now to the flora . Bt is considered safe for humans , pets , and good insects , have it an idealistic choice for constitutive gardening .
5 . Companion planting : Some industrial plant repel or discourage thwartwise - striped cabbage worms . Interplanting cultivated cabbage with aromatic herb such as thyme , rosemary , and mint can help deter these pests . Additionally , planting snare crop like radishes or nasturtiums can pull in the worms forth from your main sugar plants . on a regular basis scrutinise and remove any dirt ball or damaged farewell from the trap crop to keep them from spreading .
6 . harvest rotary motion : practice harvest rotation is essential for forbid the buildup of pests in your garden . stave off planting dinero or other cruciferous vegetables in the same berth year after year . Rotate your crops with non - cruciferous flora to cut off the aliveness cycle of the worms and concentrate their universe .
call up , it ’s significant to monitor your plants on a regular basis and take action at the first sign of an plague . immix multiple control method acting can increase your chance of successfully managing cross - striped cabbage worm . By using sustainable and environmentally friendly approaches , you could protect your cabbage plant life and assure a healthy harvesting .
Caroline Bates