After further investigation and consultation, it seems very unlikely that ants would be devouring the roots of my mustard green. (Not sure what the ants would be doing swarming in and out of the roots.) But the root damage combined with the little holes in the leaves of the mustard point to flea beetles as the culprit.
These can be a big problem and may get into other plants (like the eggplant) once they're done with the mustard.
There are options for controlling them, including diatomaceous earth, which absorbs lipids from the exoskeleton causing the critters to dehydrate. (It's also useful for removing DNA). That link there is about all I know about diatomaceous earth.
Will see how this infestation progresses before taking chemical intervention.
These can be a big problem and may get into other plants (like the eggplant) once they're done with the mustard.
There are options for controlling them, including diatomaceous earth, which absorbs lipids from the exoskeleton causing the critters to dehydrate. (It's also useful for removing DNA). That link there is about all I know about diatomaceous earth.
Will see how this infestation progresses before taking chemical intervention.
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