Not so much for discussion here, but suffice to say I have spent extensive time and effort observing and analyzing ant activity on my young Collard, Kale and Cauliflower plants. The ants underground chew on and ruin the main stem, causing wilt and collapse of the plant. Here are some examples.
Why they do it I cannot say, but I know they do it as I have watched. Getting rid of the ants results in this:
I do use Soy Bean meal as a fertilizer and that may initially attract the ants who then work their mischief. Next year I won't do that and see what happens.
