Kitchen Garden Forum

Don`t know what`s happened this year but brassica whitefly are usually the bane of my life and I haven`t seen any at all around my cabbages and sprouts. They`re usually a real nuisance.
Also, (whisper it), our allotments are usually a mass of dandelions however diligently we weed.
This year - not a speck of yellow anywhere!
Spooky innit?

Hi Elderflower

I think I have your whitefly; actually there's not that many, but more than I would like.

However, I've got no dandelions either and it's not because of my diligent weeding

I have some whitefly starting to be a nuisance. It doesn't really bother me but is it because the weather has now turned much drier?

Beryl.

I've got the rest of your whitefly. Do they do a lot of damage or is their bark worse than their bite?
--------------
Granny

I don't think they do too much actual damage.
Just a nuisance to wash off. Soak brassicas in salt water first.
Hoverflies enjoy them.
Hopefully a good frost later will kill them off

Beryl.

Yes a frost will be the very thing!
In my brassica bed they have been a blasted pest,when I examine the leaves on my sprouts,broc,cabbage ect they are in my eyes ears and mouth,I hate the bloody things with a passion!
And I've found nothing to combat them that really works at all,they are bionic it seems!!!!!!!!!!
I can't wait for a good frost,I hope they suffer as well!

Well I know this is a naughty word but try Nicotine
on White fly and you will be surprised at the results.
JB.

Thank you for reminding me of the nicotine cure JB. I have whitefly on my cabbages and had completely forgotten about your fix. I'll give it a go.

Hello
Ages later,and after a few frosts,with one I'm told on the way here tonight(east midlands,21/01/08),and the blasted things are still on the wing and in the brassica bed!!,I must give them ten out of ten for being robust!

Hi Boldverg,
I guess you decided not to use Nicotine then.
Nicotine is said to be so nasty to Bees and Predator Insects but at this time of the year White Fly go unchecked because there is a total lack of Predators and the Bees are still hibernating. So what prevents you from using it?
With Nicotine you can get rid of Flea Beetles over night.
JB.

ok
But how do you prepare it?
I've not seen it sold ready prepared??
I'm prepared to give it a go,if I use it will I end up addicted to like 40 brassica a day????

Hi Boldverg,
Nicotine is available from Vitax commercial range but I do not know if they do smaller garden amounts.
I am one of these criminals that smoke and I save all my butts and have an annual brew-up.
The brew-up wants to be done outside the house 'cos it stinks a bit. (forgot to tell Chantal and I think I am just about forgiven!)
Should you wish to try I could send you some used Tobacco. PM me if you do.
I use anti White Fly netting cages and haven't needed to use anything obnoxious for two years now.
We hear from people who say that White Fly do very little harm but that is very far from the truth.
With young plants they can totally ruin them and the end results are abysmal. With young Brussels Sprouts the end result is generally inedible.
JB.

Hi
Thanks I'll pm you soon,couple of days
And thanks again

Just one other point to add. I do think good hygiene is important on the veg plot. Whitefly will over-winter on any weeds and yellowing rotting brassica leaves.

Beryl.

yea well i clean up my yellow leaves and I do weed,though I would be a liar to say it's one of those picture garden allotments to look at,as like most of you I'm at work for 40 hours a week!
Looks pretty good though