Insect Pests of Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) and Their Natural Enemies: A Review

Abstract

Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) is one of the most important cruciferous vegetables globally, valued for its nutritional richness and economic significance. However, production suffers heavy losses due to a diverse complex of insect pests, notably diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella), cabbage aphid (Brevicoryne brassicae), tobacco caterpillar (Spodoptera litura) and cabbage butterfly (Pieris brassicae), which can cause yield reductions of 30-80%. Natural enemies-including predators, parasitoids and entomopathogens-play a central role in regulating these pests and form the backbone of sustainable integrated pest management (IPM). Despite their potential, several challenges limit their effectiveness, including pesticide disruption, poor synchronization with pest populations and habitat simplification. Climate change adds further complexity by altering pest and natural-enemy interactions, often leading to phenological mismatches. Recent advances in molecular diagnostics, RNA interference (RNAi) and microbial biocontrol formulations offer promising alternatives for strengthening eco-friendly pest suppression. Yet, successful adoption requires greater farmer awareness, reliable extension support and enabling policy measures such as biopesticide regulation and IPM incentives. This review synthesizes current knowledge on cabbage pests and their natural enemies, highlighting ecological interactions, limitations, advances and future perspectives to guide sustainable pest management strategies.