If you have fall brassica crops, it is a good idea to scout now for cabbage aphid. Cabbage aphid, sometimes called “gray aphid”, can be a significant problem on fall brassica crops, especially Brussels sprout, kale, and broccoli.
While we have had a couple of years without a lot of cabbage aphid pressure in the Northeast, the very dry conditions that are prevailing through much of New England tend to favor them. I recently observed populations building in some summer broccoli, fall cabbage and cauliflower, and Brussels sprout.
Please refer to this 2018 blog post for more information… including a photo of the yellowing that is characteristic of early feeding damage by cabbage aphid, which can help you identify a problem before it gets out of hand. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions!
