pest_control
Sawflies on Collard Greens
How to identify and get rid of sawflies on Collard Greens. Size: 10–25mm (larvae).
search
Identifying sawflies on Collard Greens
Caterpillar-like larvae, often green or grey with rows of spots, distinguished from moth caterpillars by having six or more pairs of prolegs.
cycle
Life cycle
Adults lay eggs in slits cut into leaf tissue or stems; larvae feed for several weeks before dropping to soil to pupate; multiple generations possible per year.
warning
Damage to Collard Greens
Larvae feed in groups, rapidly skeletonising or completely stripping leaves of roses, gooseberries, and other plants.
healing
How to treat sawflies on Collard Greens
Hand-pick larvae from foliage, checking undersides of leaves. Apply insecticidal soap for heavier infestations.
shield
Preventing sawflies on Collard Greens
Inspect susceptible plants regularly from mid-spring and remove eggs or young larvae early before defoliation spreads.