Swede help

[Python15]

Can anyone identify what's wrong with my swede's? I went out to thin them this morning and upon removing the net this is what I found.



Just been back out to have a look. Whatever it is they all have it. They've been growing under two separate nets.

[Jungle Jane]

Are they aphids,can you squirt them off with water when the suns not on them? I made a solution of garlic cloves,marigold heads & water last year,it’s been brewing & it really stinks! I used some the other day partly diluted & added a dot of hand soap to it,label it though incase someone thinks it’s a nice drink.

[Python15]

To be honest Jane I haven't got a clue! The picture is kind of deceiving. Mind you my eyesight isn't what it was. It looks kind of like the black smut you get on sweetcorn but obviously isn't. Maybe give them a squirt with something this evening. I covered them with nets cause the cabbage whites decimated the leaves last year, wasn't expecting this!

[Greenleaves]

It does look like cabbage aphids, soapy water should do the trick...or of course JJ's cocktail

[Jungle Jane]

The black could be the sticky stuff the aphids produce?

[Penellype]

Aphids produce sticky honeydew which is often colonized by a black mould. I think what you are seeing is a bad attack of cabbage aphid plus black mould. You may need to spray them several times to remove all the aphids.

[Python15]

Thanks all, will see to it immediately.....well...tomorrow....after work.