The Effect of Plant Extract for Managing Diamondback Moth, Plutella Xylostella L. (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) on Head Cabbage in Ethiopia

Abstract

Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) is the second most important vegetable crop in Ethiopia. Many insect pest species belonging to 16 families have been recorded on cabbages. Therefore the objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of botanicals for managing diamondback moth on head cabbage. The experiment was conducted using irrigation at Adami Tulu Agricultural Research Center (ATARC) during 2013 September to December. The head cabbage variety Copenhagen Market was used for this experiment. Treatments were arranged in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications. For DBM management four locally available botanicals was sprayed continuously for six weeks. Throughout the growing season neem significantly reduced the DBM larvae and pupae population. Highly significant differences among the treatments were observed after application of botanicals and chemical on DBM larvae and pupae. All botanical treatments reduced the number of DBM larval population and increased marketable yield. The highest marketable cabbage yield was obtained from plots sprayed with neem.

Keywords: botanicals, neem, cabbage, turmeric, control, lantana, DBM.