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Grey Bugs on Broccoli

NGLittleSeedlingsNGLittleSeedlings Posts: 725
in Problem solving
Hello, I just went to go cut some Broccoli and when I did I noticed that there is what can only be described as an infestation of small grey bugs all over the heads and stem? They have literally covered the main head and even though washing off got rid of some it didn't get rid of them all and just damaged the plant.

Can anyone tell me what they are?

I do have a picture but until the forum is fixed I can't post it.

Posts

  • Steve 309Steve 309 Posts: 2,753
    Probably cabbage aphids. I had squillions on the broccoli this spring following the mild winter.

    Spray with water or v dilute soft soap solution or garlic extract with oil or some combination thereof. Then (and only then, or they'll be killed too) collect up all the ladybirds (adults and especially larvae) you can find and let them feast on the remains. Plant/sow pot marigolds or other nectar rich flowers nearby the next brassica crop to attract hoverflies, whose larvae feed even more voraciously on aphids than ladybirds' do.
  • NGLittleSeedlingsNGLittleSeedlings Posts: 725
    Thanks they did look like Aphids but I wanted to make sure. I shall deal with them like usual, the ironic thing is the Broccoli plants have a row of Marigolds right next to them! Ahhhh you've got to love nature lol
  • Steve 309Steve 309 Posts: 2,753
    If they look like aphids and behave like aphids....
  • NGLittleSeedlingsNGLittleSeedlings Posts: 725
    I hate aphids.
  • Steve 309Steve 309 Posts: 2,753
    Not as bad as slugs & snails. At least you can see them where they're doing the damage.
  • NGLittleSeedlingsNGLittleSeedlings Posts: 725
    I find they're both as bad as each other lol
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