"Rod" wrote in message
...


Sounds like grey aphids and the mould on the honeydew they secrete +
debris
from cast aphid skins.

I'd agree with that, from my own experience.

What I'd like to know is how the aphids get into the very, I mean very,
tight buttons I'm so proud of. It takes ages peeling off the outer
leaves
until I stop seeing the blighters and their deposits.

It's worth it though, the sprouts are really delicious.

And sweet :-)

Mary

They're present at a very early stage in growth and seem to stay in the
tight parts of the plant - look carefully at any slightly yellowy crumply
looking growing points even as early as 2 true leaf stage.

My sprouts aren't discoloured or distorted.

Unless I'm missing something the choice you have to make is possible
pesticide residues v some disfigurement by aphids.

The sprouts aren't disfigured and there's no way I'll use pesticides. A bit
more time for preparation isn't a real problem after all. It doesn't take as
long as it would to shop for them.

Mary

Rod