broccoli bug in California

Watch Reply
More
Mark unread Print Skip to new
marzissa Irvine, CA Nov 29, 2008

I received some broccoli from the farmers market that was infested with bugs. They were all inside the crown, not visible from the outside. 6 legs, and the butts are fatter than the head. They range in color from bright green to filmy white and grey. The biggest ones are three millimeters big. Its just a question of grossed out curiosity right now. Ill post in bug ID forum too. Thanks for looking and guessing and sharing

Post #5841166
Quote
Stephen_Albert Kenwood, CA Jan 11, 2009

Just curious? Was it an aphid or a stink bug? or what?

Post #5992246
Quote
marzissa Irvine, CA Jan 12, 2009

I never found out. I guess aphids were the strongest possibility. But I looked for pictures of aphid infestations of broccoli and didn't see any. Did you have a similar experience?

Post #5994167
Quote
Hastur Houston, TX Jan 12, 2009

When we lived in Maine, we used to get all kinds of bugs that would try to eat our Broccoli. One of the things you deal with when growing stuff I guess.

I don't remember seeing bugs that mattch your description, but I do remember how Mom would fix it. She would cut the broccoli into florets and put them into salt water (pour a bunch of salt into some water). When there was enough salt water to cover the florets, she would fill another bowl, or go do something else for an hour or two.

Basically, the salt water killed the bugs and the little green worms that tried to hide. They would float to the top of the water, and the florets could then be taken out of the water and rinsed off before cooking.

I was thinking this might help you make your broccoli more appetizing.

Post #5996844
Quote
Gymgirl SE Houston (Hobby), TX(Zone 9a) Jan 12, 2009

I just used a salt brine on New Year's Day to kill the buggies on my mustard greens. I used a rubbermaid tub filled 1/3 with water and six boxes of salt (enough to float a fresh egg).

No bug survived, and anything on the plant floated to the top almost immediately!

Post #5996901
Quote

Post a Reply to this Thread

Please or sign up to post.
Back to Forum Homepage

More Beginner Gardening Threads

Go to all Beginner Gardening threads
BACK TO TOP