What Is Wrong With My Komatsuna?

Are there any small dark circles or spots on the leaves?

Do the leaves have pale areas on upper surfaces and "downy" patches underneath?

Are the leaves curled and yellow, clusters of small insects are present?

Are there large or small holes in leaves, damage may be extensive?

Do the leaves have large, ragged holes in them?

Do the leaves have tiny holes?

If humidity is high or dew keeps the leaves wet for too long, leaf spot can occur. The leaves will have small dark circles or spots on them before they die and fall off. Leaf spot is best avoided by good crop rotation and removing all plant debris from the garden. Remove the affected leaves and throw them in the garbage.

Pale areas on upper surfaces of the leaves and "downy" patches underneath are caused by Downy mildew. This fungus spreads quickly during cool, wet nights and warm, humid days. Leaves will wilt and die. Remove and destroy all affected plant parts and encourage good air circulation around plants by thining them. Water plants early in the morning to make sure they dry before nightfall.

Curled yellow leaves are often caused by aphids. You can control them by washing them off the plant with water spray. Insecticidal soap helps in severe infestations.

Cabbage looper is a caterpillar that sometimes attacks komatsuna. Looper populations are usually held in check by natural enemies, but if they do become problematic larvae can be hand-picked from the plants. The application of BTK will effectively kill younger larvae.

Large, ragged holes in the leaves are caused by slugs and snails. Slugs and snails feed on the plant leaves usually at night. To control slugs and snails use diatomaceous earth around your plants. You can also handpick them during the night or use shallow dishes filled with beer as a trap.

Small holes in komatsuna leaves are caused by Flea beetles. Prevent problems by covering young plants with row cover. Control severe infestations by spraying or dusting plants with pyrethrin.

Round or irregularly shaped gray necrotic lesions on leaves with dark margins indicate a fungal disease - Blackleg. Other symptoms include stem with sunken areas that enlarge over time. Dead leaves will stay attached to the plant. Spray plants, especially the stems, with copper at the first sign of disease.