Cabbage centre grub

Constraint - Cabbage centre grub

Description

• Adult moths are about 12 mm long with light and dark brown markings

• Larvae are a creamish colour with dark heads, grow up to 12 mm long and have reddish-brown stripes along the body

Symptoms

• Caterpillars of the cabbage centre grub attack canola by tunneling into the growing points of the plants, covering the entrances with webbing

• Occasionally, they feed within the leaves of older plants, forming blisters

• Cabbage centre grubs are active throughout summer and autumn

Damage

• Numbers are rarely high enough to cause economic damage

Control

Control is seldom necessary. Beneficial predaotors and registered insecticides are effective in controlling this pest. 

Links and Resources

CESAR - Pestfacts. Cabbage centre grub Feeding damage, observations, distinguishing features, lifecycle, and crop monitoring. Published 2007.

GRDC - Best Practice Management Guide. Cabbage centre grub Page 58 of 92. Brief information. Feeding habits and damage caused. Published 2009.