Damage to cultivated cruciferae by <i>nysius huttoni</i> white (heteroptera : lygaeidae)

Abstract

Abstract Ten to 20 specimens of Nysius huttoni White caged on young plants of chou moellier, rape, swede, soft turnip, and hard turnip, caused serious damage. Leaf veins and petioles were sucked and became twisted, and the leaves withered. Repetitive feeding on the meristem of seedlings of rape and of soft and hard turnip resulted in abnormal, bushy growth from secondary meristems. This condition is also noted on swede plants damaged by N. huttoni in the field. Some aspects of habitat are discussed. It is considered that unsuitable habitat prevents N. huttoni becoming a pest of crucifer crops in the moister western areas of the North Island, although it should be regarded as a potential pest in drier areas on the east coast.