February 19, 2000
Question: Can you confirm my suspicion? I’ve grown cabbage in my yard for years, but this is the first. It appears that there are termites in the roots of the cabbage. The outer leaves of affected plants would wilt and that was when I pulled some up to inspect their roots.
- Dan Davie, Buckingham
Answer: Occasionally subterranean termites are known to attack many living plants including citrus, corn, sweet potatoes and plant roots that contain a lot of water. Eastern subterranean termites were identified in the roots of the sample you submitted. This urban pest cost consumers more than $1 billion annually for control and repair to damaged structures. Apparently, cabbages are not immune from their efforts.
- Stephen Brown is a horticulture agent with the Lee County Extension. To submit questions call the horticulture desk at 461- 7504 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. or via e-mail at shb@gnv.ifas.ufl.edu. Listen to the ‘Garden Show" at 8 a.m. on 1200-AM
WINK/WNOG.