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Produce => Pests & Diseases => Topic started by: greatpalm on August 08, 2005, 20:05:19

Title: Caterpillar breeding season
Post by: greatpalm on August 08, 2005, 20:05:19
Hi

I'm fed up killing endless numbers of eggs and caterpillars on my broccoli plants.

How much longer will this torture continue?

I would rather not use sprays if possible.

Steve

Title: Re: Caterpillar breeding season
Post by: Robert_Brenchley on August 08, 2005, 20:46:45
Depends what species they are. There are several possibilities, but if you're talking about the Large White Butterfly, for instance, there are two generations a year, with eggs laid in May and July. They hatch in about a week, then pupate after about a month. So they'll be gone in another month at most.
Title: Re: Caterpillar breeding season
Post by: tim on August 09, 2005, 06:24:44
The answer, Steve, with hindsight, is always fleece!
Title: Re: Caterpillar breeding season
Post by: the_snail on August 10, 2005, 07:06:54
Yes Fleece or netting on canes with empty bottles ( Or beer cans :D) so then there is no way for them to lay there eggs! PS Check for birds that may get trapped in netting.

Provention is better than cure!

The_Snail