Brassica is the name given to a group of plants from the cabbage and mustard family (Brassicaceae). Sometimes they are called cruciferous vegetables, cabbages, or mustard plants.

There are many economically important crops in this group. In Australia, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, and kale are the most important brassica crops for human consumption. The popularity of leafy brassica vegetables is increasing in Australia, such as Chinese cabbage, Bok choy and watercress.

Canola is another member of this group and is cultivated on a huge scale as fodder and for its oil content. Brassicas are grown during the cooler times of the year and in winter rainfall areas.

In terms of pests, brassicas are affected mainly by a range of caterpillars and aphids.

The most serious pest is the Diamondback Moth (Plutella xylostella). The caterpillar life stage of this pest causes serious damage to all brassica crops and affects all stages of the plant.

Caterpillars of the Cabbage White Butterfly (Pieris rapae) can cause significant feeding to the foliage of brassicas, especially in spring and early summer when numbers are high.

Green Peach Aphids, Cabbage Aphid and Turnip Aphid are a constant threat to brassica crops, especially when temperatures rise during spring.