Vegetable Insect Note 12
The cabbage worm complex attacks cole crops or crucifers which include cabbage, collards, cauliflower, broccoli, brussell sprouts, mustard, turnip, kale and other related crops.
Losses due to the cabbage worm complex are accounted for in part by damaged crops (reduced yield and lower quality) and in part by the cost of combating these pests.
Besides the three listed above, the following may be encountered: cross-striped cabbageworm, corn earworm, cutworms, cabbage webworm, fall armyworm, beet armyworm, Gulf white cabbageworm and southern cabbageworm.
To distinguish among these three insect pests, consult the
Three important keys in achieving insect control by the use of insecticides are the time of application, the number of applications, and thoroughness of coverage. Prior to the implementation of these, it is essential that a proper identification be made and a knowledge of the pest's life history be obtained. Loopers migrate into North Carolina in May and have 3 or more generations/year, imported cabbageworm 3 or 4 generations and diamondback moth several. Thus, several insecticide applications are necessary and should be applied on foliage every 5 to 7 days, beginning when true leaves or insects first appear. Of course, close and regular examinations of plants for insect stages and numbers will dictate the need for and frequency of applications. To be most effective, insecticides should be applied when insects are small and to both lower and upper leaf surfaces.
Such widely known principles of insect control as choice of insecticides and equipment, time and number of applications, use of hollow cone nozzles, 3 nozzles per row, and thoroughness of coverage are essential for good control; but to be most effective, one must involve integration of cultural (crop rotation, destruction of crop residues, use of resistant varieties), biological (Bacillus thuringiensis and nuclear polyhidrosis virus), natural (disease, parasites, predators and climatic factors) and chemical control. Such an integrated approach should be based on thorough knowledge, implemented with thoughtful planning and care and evaluated with sound judgement. This is a total program approach termed Pest Management that demands grower attention.
When constructing a program for combating the cabbage worm complex, consult with your county extension office or the North Carolina Agricultural Chemicals Manual for specific control recommendations. When using any insecticide, read and follow all label instructions.
Recommendations of specific chemicals are based upon information on the manufacturer's label and performance in a limited number of trials. Because environmental conditions and methods of application by growers may vary widely, performance of the chemical will not always conform to the safety and pest control standards indicated by experimental data.
Recommendations for the use of chemicals are included in this publication as a convenience to the reader. The use of brand names and any mention or listing of commercial products or services in this publication does not imply endorsement by the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service nor discrimination against similar products or services not mentioned. Individuals who use chemicals are responsible for ensuring that the intended use complies with current regulations and conforms to the product label. Be sure to obtain current information about usage and examine a current product label before applying any chemical. For assistance, contact your county North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service agent.
For further information on cabbage worms, see the following Vegetable Insect Notes:
For assistance with a specific problem, contact your local North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service personnel.
Published by North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service
Distributed in furtherance of the Acts of Congress of May 8 and June 30, 1914. Employment and program opportunities are offered to all people regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. North Carolina State University at Raleigh, North Carolina A&T State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments cooperating.
Web page last updated by M.J. Munster on 24 May 1996