Vegetable Insects

Eggplant lace bugs create whitening of eggplant leaves.

Borers make pinhole entrances, exuding sawdust-like frass. The foliage above bored stems may wilt or break. Borers enter peppers near the stem and feed on the seed core.

Fruit feeding produces a dramatic russeting, usually at the stem end. Fruits appear to be covered with a very fine, brown netting that feels slightly rough.

Cutworms are important early-season pests of vegetable crops in Maryland. Young plants cut off at the soil line is a good indication of cutworms.

The corn earworm or tomato fruitworm feed on the corn silk but eventually borrow directly into the tips of developing ears of corn.

Damage to asparagus spears and feeding damage on the ferns is a sign of an asparagus beetle infestation.

Ragged holes in the leaves of cole crops, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, collards, kale, turnips, etc.

How to manage aphids on vegetable plants in a home garden