Insect

Harlequin Bug

Brightly coloured red and black shield bugs about 9 mm long that inject toxic saliva into brassica tissue as they feed, causing wilting and white blistered patches.

Symptoms to Look For

White or yellow wilted patches on leaves spreading from feeding sites
Plants collapsing suddenly during hot weather
Clusters of red and black eggs on leaf undersides

Affected Plants

BrassicaMustard

Organic Solutions

Hand removal

Collect adults and egg masses by hand in the morning when bugs are slower, dropping them into a bucket of soapy water.

Trap crop

Plant a border of mustard or arugula to attract bugs away from main crops, then destroy the trap crop with insects on it.

Prevention

Clear brassica debris promptly after harvest as adults overwinter under plant material
Check leaf undersides for distinctive red-and-black barrel-shaped egg masses and crush them immediately

Garden, by Willowbottom recommends only organic, wildlife-friendly solutions. No synthetic pesticides, no harmful chemicals - ever.