Brassica oleracea gongylodes group Sticky Leaves - Causes & Fixes

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Aphid Infestation

Aphids are common pests for Kohlrabi that pierce the plant tissue to suck sap, excreting a sugary substance called honeydew. This residue creates the characteristic sticky film on the leaves and can lead to stunted growth.

Very Common

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How to confirm: Inspect the undersides of leaves and new growth for tiny, soft-bodied insects like green or black aphids.

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1 Apply an organic insecticide to eliminate the aphid population and stop the production of honeydew.

Bonide Captain Jack's Neem Oil 32 oz

0.9 L • 1 pcs • Organic

$10

In Stock

2 Wash the sticky residue off the leaves using a firm stream of water or a mild insecticidal soap to prevent fungal growth.

Bonide Captain Jack's Insecticidal Super Soap 32 oz

0.9 L • 1 pcs • Organic

$11

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3 Inspect the undersides of leaves regularly and use yellow sticky traps to monitor for any remaining flying insects.

Super Ninja Fungus Gnat Traps - 30 Pack

30 pcs

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Whitefly Infestation

Whiteflies feed on the underside of Kohlrabi leaves, producing honeydew that makes the foliage sticky. They often trigger the appearance of 'sooty mold,' a black fungus that grows on the sticky residue.

Common

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How to confirm: Gently tap the plant to see if a cloud of tiny white flying insects emerges from beneath the leaves.

build How to fix it

shopping_cart Recommended Products

1 Apply an organic insecticide to eliminate the whitefly population and stop the production of sticky honeydew.

Bonide Captain Jack's Neem Oil 32 oz

0.9 L • 1 pcs • Organic

$10

In Stock

2 Use yellow sticky traps to capture adult whiteflies and monitor the severity of the infestation.

Super Ninja Fungus Gnat Traps - 30 Pack

30 pcs

$7

In Stock

3 Gently wash the leaves with water to remove the sticky residue and prevent the growth of black sooty mold.

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Scale Insects

Scale insects attach themselves to the stems and leaves of Brassica species, sucking nutrients and secreting honeydew. This process makes the plant surface feel tacky even if no active movement is seen.

Common

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How to confirm: Look for small, stationary, bump-like protrusions on the stems or leaf petioles that cannot be easily wiped off.

build How to fix it

shopping_cart Recommended Products

1 Apply an organic insecticide spray to the stems and leaves to eliminate the scale insects and their eggs.

Bonide Captain Jack's Neem Oil 32 oz

0.9 L • 1 pcs • Organic

$10

In Stock

2 Wipe the sticky honeydew residue off the leaves with a damp cloth to prevent the growth of sooty mold.

3 Inspect the undersides of leaves and stems regularly for any new scale infestations.

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Sooty Mold (Secondary Infection)

While not the primary cause of stickiness, sooty mold is a black fungus that grows specifically on the honeydew left by sap-sucking insects. It can coat the Kohlrabi leaves, making them feel gritty and sticky.

Common

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How to confirm: Check if the stickiness is accompanied by a dark, charcoal-colored coating on the leaf surface.

build How to fix it

shopping_cart Recommended Products

1 Identify and eliminate the underlying sap-sucking insects (such as aphids or whiteflies) that are producing the sticky honeydew.

Bonide Captain Jack's Neem Oil 32 oz

0.9 L • 1 pcs • Organic

$10

In Stock

2 Gently wash the Kohlrabi leaves with a soft cloth or water spray to remove the black sooty mold residue and prevent further light blockage.

3 Monitor soil moisture levels to ensure the plant is not under stress, which can make it more susceptible to pest infestations.