Insect-pests complex of cabbage, Brassica Oleracea var. Capitata in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Abstract

During the intensive survey in rabi season of 2007 and 2008 in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh of cabbage, Brassica oleracea var. capitata fields, 23 different insect-pests' species with seven different orders were recorded. Out of which maximum 31% insect-pests species of order Lepidoptera and minimum 5% insect-pests species of order Diptera and Isoptera were found in the investigation. Diamond back moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) and cabbage head borer, Hellula undalis Fab recorded high in population. Among natural enemies, predators were rove beetle, Paederus sp. and lady bird beetle, Coccinella septumpunctata L.; parasitoids, Diaeretiella rapae and Cotesia plutellae were also recorded.