Technical Name: Bourletiella hortensis
General:
There are several species of springtails the only the garden springtail causes damage to Brassicas. Found throughout New Zealand. Damage to Brassicas can occur at cotyledons emergence which can results in stem damage. Damage to seedling leaves appears as small pits or shot holes in the leaves or as scalloping of the edges of the leaves.
Identification:
Brown/black in colour and up to 1 mm long when fully developed. The bodies are globular and have a springing device which is folded under their body. Eggs are laid in the soil. To test if they are present in a crop a piece of white card should be used as their colouring makes it difficult to see them against the pasture/soil background. Peak Springtail populations occur in spring and autumn.