Cabbage Integrated Pest Management : An Ecological Guide.

Major Cabbage Insect Pests5MAJOR CABBAGE INSECT PESTSSUMMARYThe diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella) is the major pest insect of cabbage, inboth temperate and tropical areas in Asia. Other pests such as webworm (Hellulaundalis), heart caterpillar (Crocidolomia binotalis), and white butterflies (Pierissp.) can locally be severe. Flea beetles (Phyllotreta sp.), aphids (Brevicorynebrassicae), and cutworms (Agrotis sp.) can be a problem in nurseries. Stemborer(Melanagromyza cleomae) is a relatively “new” pest but appears to occur on awider scale in Asia than so far reported in literature.Biocontrol options exist for many insect pests of cabbage, such as Diadegmaparasitoids for diamondback moth control, NPV virus for armyworm (Spodopterasp.) control, and Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) applications against various caterpillars.Other naturally occurring biocontrol agents, such as predators (ladybeetles, spiders),parasitoids and pathogens (e.g. fungi killing aphids or webworm) can locally,and in some seasons, give additional control.Most biocontrol options should be part of an IPM programme that includes farmertraining.Several cultural practices such as weed removal, removing infested plant material,use of trap crops, and hand-removal of egg-masses and larvae can provide additionalinsect control. For several cabbage insect pests, insecticide use is not effectivenor economical and may in some cases (e.g. whitefly) even aggravate pest problems.Most insect management options focus on prevention of high populations, andbiocontrol, either by conserving and augmenting naturally occurring natural enemies,or by releasing/applying biocontrol agents.Cabbage Ecological Guide - 200074