Impact of intercrops for the management of diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella L.) and yield on cabbage

Abstract

The present work entitled “Study the impact of intercrops for the management of diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella L.) and yield on cabbage” was carried out at the Horticulture Hi-Tech Field, in RMD College of Agriculture & Research Station, Ambikapur, Chhattisgarh during the Rabi season of 2024-25. The effect of different intercrops (i.e. marigold, tomato, cauliflower, broccoli, mustard, radish and knolkhol) on cabbage was studied for the management of diamondback moth, the result revealed that intercropping treatments significantly influenced the DBM incidence. The cabbage + tomato intercrop (T₃) recorded the lowest seasonal mean larval population of DBM (1.20 larvae/plant), followed by cabbage + mustard intercrop (T₅) and cabbage + marigold intercrop (T₁) with 1.28 and 1.44 larvae/plant, respectively. In contrast, sole cabbage (T₈) with 2.23 larvae/plant and crucifer-based intercrops such as cabbage + broccoli (T₄), and cabbage + cauliflower (T₂) recorded higher pest loads with 2.08 and 1.95 larvae/plant, respectively. The cabbage + tomato intercrop (T₃) also produced the highest marketable yield (245.00 q/ha), followed by cabbage + mustard intercrop (T₅) and cabbage + marigold intercrop (T₁) with 226.90 and 216.27 q/ha, whereas the lowest yield (194.68 q/ha) was recorded in the sole cabbage as untreated plot (T₈). The cabbage + tomato intercrop (T₃) also recorded the highest marketable yield (245.00 q/ha), followed by cabbage + mustard intercrop (T₅) and cabbage + marigold intercrop (T₁) with 226.90 and 216.27 q/ha, whereas the lowest yield (194.68 q/ha) was recorded in the sole cabbage as untreated plot (T₈). Thus, intercropping cabbage with tomato, marigold and mustard not only minimized pest infestation but also enhanced yield, suggesting a promising agroecological approach for sustainable cabbage cultivation. Therefore, such cropping strategies can be recommended for eco-friendly and sustainable pest management in cabbage cultivation during the Rabi season.