Cabbage Worms
Scientific Name
Pieris rapae
Description
Cabbage worms are the larvae of the cabbage white butterfly, notorious for damaging brassica crops. They are identified by their green, camouflaged appearance and the characteristic holes they create in leaves.
Characteristics
These larvae are bright green with subtle white stripes that help them blend with leafy plants. Their feeding causes significant defoliation and reduces crop quality by creating unsightly holes in leaves.
Control Methods
- Organic sprays: Apply organic neem oil or insecticidal soap early in the infestation to reduce larval numbers while protecting beneficial insects.
- Cultural practices: Rotate crops and interplant with repellent species like dill or mint to deter cabbage butterflies, and practice proper spacing for good air circulation.
- Preventive methods: Use floating row covers to prevent adult butterflies from laying eggs on crops and remove egg clusters as soon as they appear.
- Biological controls: Promote natural enemies such as parasitic wasps, birds, and predatory beetles. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) can also target the larvae effectively.
- Mechanical physical: Hand-pick the larvae from plants and use insect netting to block further egg deposition.
Natural Enemies
- Parasitic Wasps
- Birds
- Predatory Beetles
Plants Affected by Cabbage Worms
No associated plants found for this pest.