Why does your Chinese Cabbage Questar F1 have tiny black flies? Diagnose the cause and fix it with our step-by-step guide.
The tiny black flies are likely fungus gnat adults, whose larvae feed on organic matter and fine root hairs in the soil. In Chinese cabbage cultivation, high moisture levels in the growing medium provide the perfect breeding ground for these pests.
Similar to fungus gnats, Sciarids thrive in the damp, decomposing organic matter often found in brassica nursery beds. Their larvae can cause significant damage to the developing root systems of young Questar F1 seedlings.
While typically attracted to decaying fruit, these flies can be drawn to overly fermented or rotting organic mulch around your Chinese cabbage beds. They do not directly attack the cabbage but indicate an environment with excessive moisture and decay.
Your plant might also be experiencing one of these issues: