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MANGOLD FLIES/
BEET LEAF MINER
DESCRIPTION
If
the soil is lightly turned over, you may well see the grey caterpillars of
the Swift Moth in the soil feeding on the roots. TREATMENT If
an attack does strike, destroy the affected plants by burning them. Dig
the soil surface to expose the caterpillars to birds.
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This is very difficult to spot until it is too late, so prevention is
better than cure, The
plants will look unhealthy but with no obvious signs of leaf damage.
Growth will be stunted.
Prevention is the only practical action. First, don't plant beetroot in
the same soil two years running. Second, make sure the area is weed free -
the caterpillars feed on the roots of some weeds, especially docks, and
these only encourage them.
PESTS AND DISEASES CLASSIFIED BY PLANT