Borecole Pests And Diseases

Borecole is very easy to grow and in general if grown in well drained soil it should not suffer too many pests and diseases, however those that do attack it need treating as soon as possible as some of them like club root can affect your plot for years to come.

One of the biggest pests with regards to borecole are pigeons and slugs. Netting can be used to keep pigeons off, whilst normal techniques can be used to get rid of slugs, from pouring salt on them at night through to placing crushed egg shells around the plants, slug pellets can be used liberally around them but will need replacing after heavy rain.

Club root is a common disease and is a fungal organism that attacks the root of the borecole, and it needs checking as early as possible as if unchecked it can keep coming back year after year.

To avoid it then you will need good drainage, annual crop rotation and liming soil with pH7. However if you get a club root infection then you should avoid planting any other brassicas in that area of the plot in future years, as it will have a tendency to keep coming back.

If your borecole is infected by club root then you will need to remove wellingtons when leaving the area to avoid cross contamination, accordingly all tools used in the area will also need to be thoroughly cleaned.

White fly is another common brasilica pest that affects borecole, however it can be prevented by the use of fine netting to keep the white fly off, of note is that as soon as the weather turns cold it will kill the white fly off. However it is one of the worst pests as the white butterflies can decimate a borecole crop totally in two days or less. Derris sprays can also be used to keep the white fly at bay.

Cabbage root fly is one of the worst pests that borecole can get, as it infests the roots with eggs, which the cabbage root fly lays in the soil near to the roots. It is best treated by digging over the plants leaving the eggs exposed to the elements and bird predators.

Of note is that most borecole plants are more resistant to pests and diseases the more mature they are e.g. the larger they are the less likely they are to be affected. Find out more about How To Grow Borecole

By Richard Allen -