Why does your Brassica oleracea Red Kale have tiny black flies? Diagnose the cause and fix it with our step-by-step guide.
Pet FriendlyThe tiny black flies are likely fungus gnats, whose larvae live in the soil of your red kale and feed on organic matter and fine root hairs. The adults emerge to lay eggs in moist substrate, which can lead to root damage and stunted growth in brassicas.
If the kale is near decaying organic matter or overripe compost, fruit flies may be attracted to the area. While they don't feed directly on the kale leaves, their presence indicates high moisture levels that can promote fungal pathogens in Brassica crops.
While the flies themselves are not leafminers, their presence often coincides with high humidity which supports small dipterans. If you notice winding white trails on the red kale leaves, the larvae of these flies may be the cause.
Your plant might also be experiencing one of these issues:
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