- 1). Inspect the foliage for damage weekly during the growing season. Aphids cluster on the underside of leaves. Slugs and cabbage worms chew ragged holes in foliage. Tattered leaves, plant discoloration, or wrinkled, curled foliage may indicate a pest infestation.
- 2). Spray an insecticidal soap spray on the underside of leaves to kill aphids. Spray directly on the insect colonies. Rinse the plant with clear water the following day, to remove any soap residue. Continue to spray the infested leaves every three days until the aphid colonies are destroyed.
- 3). Keep the mustard bed clear of rocks, wood pieces and dead plant debris, as slugs hide under these items during the day. Pull weeds in the bed promptly.
- 4). Set out slug bait traps around the plants in the evening. Traps either have a water reservoir that drowns the slugs or a pesticide inside. Replace the traps every three to five days until the slugs are under control.
- 5). Control cabbage worms and other insects with an appropriate pesticide for the specific insect pest. Bacterial herbicides, such as Thuricide or DiPel, help control cabbage worm populations.
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