Victorian produce is under threat as a massive influx of white cabbage moths invades the state's farms. These butterflies, while visually appealing, are causing havoc for growers. Amedeo Mason of Mason Brothers Vegetable Farms described the situation as a "bit of a disaster".
The butterflies are particularly fond of cabbages, broccoli, cauliflower, and kale. A single female can lay up to 300 eggs, which metamorphose into crop-destroying caterpillars. This rapid infestation could decimate brassica crops within weeks.
Farmers are resorting to pesticides to mitigate the problem, but this will inevitably affect supply. Consequently, consumers may face higher supermarket prices for fruit and vegetables in the coming months. "Such a plague of this pest, we're going to see issues on the shelves," warned Nathan Free from the Victorian Farmers Federation.
Scientists attribute this "plague" to a mild winter and a humid summer. While Zoos Victoria advocates for a natural solution via predators, farmers are preparing for a tough season ahead.
Source: 7news.com.au
