- Worldwide distribution. In the tropics, sub-tropics and temperate countries. On members of the cabbage family, Chinese cabbage in particular. An important pest.
- Adults, 2mm long, occur in large numbers, eating tiny holes in the leaves, making them unmarketable.
- Eggs are laid in the soil and the larvae feed on roots.
- Biosecurity: Limited distribution in Pacific islands.
- Cultural control: avoid planting near or downwind from infested crops; use fertilizer, manures or composts to accelerate growth; monitor for beetles (cardboard covered in grease moved quickly along the row); collect and burn debris after harvest; crop rotation.
- Chemical control: PDPs: neem, pyrethrum, or derris; or synthetic pyrethroids, but they are likely to kill natural enemies.
