Major insect problems of cabbage and related crops
1986
Jones, M.
The larval stages of three species of moths were identified as serious pests of the Brassica family. The most economically significant is the larvae of the Hellula sp. because it brings about total destruction of the cabbage heads. The other serious pest is the larvae of the diamond back moth, Plutella sp. The cabbage looper Trichuoplusia ni was introduced from the USA in 1971 and within one year was sufficiently established and found in all the cabbage producing areas of Trinidad and Tobago. The looper and the diamond back moth are defoilators, whereas, the budworm is a borer. The physical features of the insect are described to facilitate identification. Chemical application seems to be the only reliable means of control for commercial farms but poor application techniques have led to problems. As a control strategy, chemical application needs to be reinforced with good cultural practices such as a high level of field sanitation, selection of tolerant varieties, and adequate crop rotation. When chemicals are to be applied, they must be carefully selected, applied at the times and in the manner in which they give maximum control. This necessitates the use of proper equipment and better timing of application, preserving the natural enemy populations.
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