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What is eating my broccoli? #757280

Asked June 20, 2021, 11:02 AM EDT

Something has eaten half of my broccoli plants (about 20 total) over the last week. They seem to be eating the plants at night as three plants were fine yesterday at 7pm and at 6 am this morning were eaten as seen in the photos. We live in a condo so the plants are in wooden planters about 2 feet off the ground and our patio floor is about 4 feet up from the ground so the animal would have to be a good climber. Lettuce, spinach, chard, fennel and peas are thankfully not being eaten. Any ideas?

Clatsop County Oregon

Expert Response

Cutworms are after your broccoli.

The cutworm moth lays eggs which hatch into larvae (this would account for the disregard for the height of your planters).  The cutworm larvae curl their bodies around the stem and feed on it causing the plant to be cut off just above the soil surface.  They feed in the evening or night and hide under any plant debris in the container during the day.  The larvae feed in early spring and will feed for 4 to 6 weeks.

Physically remove and crush the larvae or drop them into soapy water.  Keep plant residue cleaned out of your containers.  Place cardboard or aluminum foil collars around your plants.  Push the collar down into the soil a few inches leaving several inches above the soil.

Use of pesticides is usually not necessary.  If you choose to use a pesticide read the label carefully before application.

Thank you for your question.

An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 22, 2021, 10:03 PM EDT

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