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Worms on kale #335337

Asked June 22, 2016, 3:10 PM EDT

I have some lacinato kale plants in a raised bed - they've been in the ground for about six weeks after planting them out as starts. I saw some worm-like things on them a few days ago, and was wondering if you could help me to identify them. The photos are attached. The kale leaves are getting eaten from the edges to the ribs by something - could this be the culprit? Is any kind of control in order (I removed them by hand and crushed them)? Thank you!

Baltimore City County Maryland

Expert Response

The photos show the Imported cabbageworm.  This is a common pest and you did the right thing to simply squash them.  Here is our website's Grow It Eat It info and control options for them (under Common Problems > Insect Pests): http://extension.umd.edu/growit/insects/imported-cabbageworm

ECN

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