Influence of Habitat Manipulation on Incidence and Severity of Pest Damage in Cabbage

Abstract

Habitat manipulation was evaluated during the rabi seasons of 2021–22 and 2022–23 to determine its influence on pest incidence, natural-enemy abundance, yield, and economics in cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.). Six treatments comprising combinations of cabbage with mustard and cowpea as intercrops and oats or cress as border crops were assessed in a randomised block design with four replications. The pooled results showed that cabbage intercropped with mustard and cowpea (T1) recorded the lowest aphid population, at 7.40 aphids per plant. For diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella), cabbage with cress as a border crop (T5) recorded the lowest larval population, at 2.06 larvae per plant, and was statistically comparable to cabbage intercropped with cowpea with oats as a border crop (T3), at 2.19 larvae per plant. The highest pooled coccinellid population was recorded in T1, at 3.30 individuals per plant. Treatment T5 produced the highest pooled head yield of 256 q/ha, which was statistically comparable to T3 at 243 q/ha. In contrast, T3 recorded the highest cabbage-equivalent yield of 264 q/ha and the highest net income of ₹215,730, with an ICBR of 1:4.49. The sole cabbage crop (T6) recorded the lowest pooled head yield of 154 q/ha and comparatively higher pest populations. These findings indicate that habitat manipulation through selected intercrop and border-crop combinations can contribute to pest suppression, natural-enemy conservation, and improved yield and economic performance under the conditions of the study.