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 2013September 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. | 