Why does your Brassica oleracea gongylodes group have tiny black flies? Diagnose the cause and fix it with our step-by-step guide.
Pet FriendlyThe larvae of these flies live in the soil and feed on organic matter and fine root hairs, which can weaken kohlrabi plants. The adult flies are attracted to the moist soil environments required for brassica cultivation.
While typically associated with decaying fruit, these flies can be attracted to kohlrabi crops if there is fermenting organic matter or soft rot developing in the stem crevices. They do not damage the plant directly but indicate a moisture/decay issue.
While the larvae are internal, the adult flies may be seen hovering around the leaves. The presence of small black flies can sometimes coincide with the emergence of these tiny flies from the leaf tissue.
Your plant might also be experiencing one of these issues: