Pests Affecting Silverbeet Growing
The silverbeet (Beta vulgaris L.) is a vegetable that features leaves much like those of the spinach plant and stems resembling that of celery. This vegetable is a member of the Chenopodiceae family and cultivated for its mild flavor and use in culinary dishes. The four varieties of silverbeet include Fordhook Master, Success, Fordhook Giant and Compacta Slo Bolt. The most common pest to damage silverbeet plants is the beet webworm. Less frequently, various other pests can infest this plant and cause damage due to feeding. Does this Spark an idea?
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Beet Webworm
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The most common pest to cause damage to the silverbeet is the beet webworm (Spoladea recurvalis). During the moth stage, this pest features brown wings with a white band that runs through each wing. These moths lay their eggs under the leaves of the plant. It is only the beet webworm caterpillars that actually damage the silverbeet plant. The caterpillars are green in color and feed on the leaves produced by the plant. Infested plants will display damaged leaves with holes where the caterpillars have eaten.
Beet Webworm Control
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Because the moths of this pest are most prevalent in warm, moist weather conditions, it is important to make sure that the area around the silverbeet plant is well weeded. Weeds act as hosts to the moths and contribute to the problem. If caterpillars have already been identified on the plant, insecticides can be applied to the plant to kill the beet webworms. Insecticides are available at local garden supply centers. Insecticides should always be applied per manufacturer instructions.
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Other Pests
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Although it is much less common than webworm infestations, silverbeet has been known to be damaged by rootknot nematodes, snails, slugs, loopers, weevils, mites and budworms on occasion. The rootknot nematodes can be prevented with the application of metham sodium prior to planting. If any of these pests have already been identified as present on the silverbeet, the plant can be treated with the application of Dimethoate pesticide.
Growth
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The silverbeet is cultivated throughout the summer. This has become a popular crop among the coastal communities of Spain, Portugal, Australia, New Zealand and Britain. To promote optimum growth, this plant should be placed in the full sunlight or partial shade in fertile, moist and well-drained soils.
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