Cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts are members of the family Brassicaceae (formerly Cruciferae), commonly called brassica vegetable crops. These very different plants are all cultivars of one plant, Brassica oleracea.
The Crop Profile for Brassica Vegetables in Canada, 2018 provides an overview of production and pest management practices for these crops in Canada. Information is provided on abiotic factors affecting crop growth. The biology of key disease, insect and mite and weed problems is presented as well as cultural and chemical methods of control.
Grower issues/gaps in pest management, identified through stakeholder consultations are described in each of the three main sections (disease, insect/mite and weed) and under each pest description. Pest management resources, including websites, publications, grower organizations and provincial specialists for brassica crops are provided at the end of the profile.
Limited production and market statistics are provided in the profile to give context to the economic importance of the crops. For more detailed statistics, the reader is referred to Statistics Canada.
Information on pest issues and management practices is provided for information purposes only. For detailed information on growing brassica crops, the reader is referred to provincial crop production guides and provincial ministry websites listed in the Resources Section at the end of the profile. For guidance about crop protection products registered for pests on brassica crops, the reader is referred to provincial crop production guides and Health Canada’s Pesticide label database.
The Crop Profile for Brassica Vegetables in Canada, 2018 (full report) is available from Government of Canada Publications.