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Cabbage cluster caterpillar

Crocidolomia pavonana (previously known as Crocidolomia binotalis)
Cabbage cluster caterpillar (CCC) is a pest of the brassica family, most commonly found in northern NSW and Queensland during summer and early autumn. CCC eat large amounts of leaf material and regularly feed on the centre of plants. Affected plants are often left covered in webbing and droppings. Hosts include; broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, Chinese cabbage, mustard and radish.
 
caterpillars on leaf

Description

Young caterpillars are semitranslucent with a dark head, turning greenish with yellow and cream stripes as they mature. At maturity larvae reach 12-16 mm in length, 1.5 – 2.0 mm wide with long hairs. CCC pupate in the soil. Adult moths are patterned, light brown with large wings held in a tent-shape over the body and each forewing has two white triangular spots. Females have subtle markings on their wings whilst males have obvious brown and cream patterned wings. Eggs are laid in a large cluster on the undersides of leaves and are initially pale green, turning bright yellow then brown prior to hatching.

Larvae feed on all stages of plants, although seedling damage is rare. Damage can be severe as CCC feed in groups, which eat large amounts of leaf material often leaving the leaf completely skeletonised. 

Control

Natural predators such as ladybird beetles and lacewing larvae will attack CCC, therefore encouraging and preserving these populations is important. Check seedlings for eggs and/or young caterpillars prior to planting and if found, remove or destroy them or find alternative seedlings. Mustard is a preferred host by CCC, therefore using it as trap crop may protect plants from damage. Where possible plant new crops away from previous brassica crops, particularly if CCC had previously been a problem. If possible, grow plants under nets or screen houses. Monitor crops during the season for the presence of eggs. Ensure all plant material is removed and destroyed after harvest, which will ensure any remaining eggs or caterpillars are removed.

Larvin® is an insecticide which is most effective on young larvae, it has good residual activity and is registered for the control of CCC in brassica crops.
 
 

Related Product

Bayer Larvin® 375 Insecticide


References

Ausveg (Viewed Nov 2019), ‘Caterpillars’, https://ausveg.com.au/biosecurity-agrichemical/crop-protection/caterpillars/

Ekman, J, Tesoriero, L, and Grigg, S (2014), ‘Pests, Diseases and Disorders of Babyleaf Vegetables. A Field Identification Guide’, Applied Horticulture Research, Pg 11, http://ahr.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/AHR_Babyleaf_Proof3.pdf

Herbiguide (Viewed Nov 2019), ‘Cabbage Cluster Caterpillar’, http://www.herbiguide.com.au/Descriptions/hg_Cabbage_Cluster_Caterpillar.htm

Pestnet (Viewed Nov 2019), ‘Cabbage cluster caterpillar’, Pacific Pathogen and Pests Fact Sheet, http://www.pestnet.org/fact_sheets/cabbage_cluster_caterpillar_lcm_078.htm