[daithi23]

Hi, something is eating nibbling away on my brassicas, I haven't seen what's doing the damage but they're slowly being destroyed. There's no visible insects on the leaves, I haven't seen slug tracks (and I have a lot of eggshells around). None of the other beds are being eaten but they are quite a bit away from each other so maybe it's only a matter of time.

Here's some pictures of the damage:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/sne5szj34nsouav/2012-06-16%2019.00.18.jpg

https://www.dropbox.com/s/me9uswpgqxtzzvq/2012-06-16%2018.59.46.jpg

Please help me! Thanks!

[Margo]

caterpillars

[michael brenock]

Pigeons without any doubt are eating the leaves. Put up some netting
michael brenock horticultural advisor (retired)

[The Garden Shop]

I would agree that its pigeons, given the large bite marks visible
Pigeons can turn a healthy cabbage head into a skeleton of stalks in a matter of hours.

The netting option is the best option to control against pigeons, other options include: placing CDs, tape or bits of foil around your crop, the reflection of your sunlight scares the pigeon.

Once your cabbage plants are more than 20cm tall the pigeon generally don't attack your crop.


But its great to see the egg shells are keeping the slugs away.

[daithi23]

Thank you, I would have never have thought of pigeons! Some are beyond saving now but I have put up netting so hopefully the rest will be okay. Thanks again!

edit: Are they just fond of the Brassicas or will they start going for anything?

[tunnelsofhens10]

I noticed a few holes in my cabbages before i netted them, no problem since. In the bed beside them I have a row of young Brocoli plants and for some they have"nt any interest in these atall. If they do I might have to try pidgion breast lightly fried.

[inishindie]

Would pigeons eat sunflower plant leaves? Ours are disappearing fast but there's no sign of slugs.