Evaluation of a push-pull system for diamondback moth (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) management in cabbage

In 2021 and 2022 growing seasons, trap crops and intercrops were used to create a push-pull system to manage diamondback moth (DBM) (Plutella xylostella L.) in cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) crops. This push-pull system influences the behavior of targeted pests by using repellent plants (push factor) to drive pests away and trap crops (pull factor) to attract the pest. Trap crops selected were collards (Brassica oleracea var. acephala), garden cress (Lepidium sativum), Red Russian kale (Brassica napus var. pabularia), and upland cress (Barbarea verna). These plants were set around plots of cabbage intercropped with tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) to act as a repellent crop. The push-pull system was evaluated through a field experiment set with completely randomized block design. The objectives of this study were: 1) to evaluate trap plant effectiveness by quantifying pest presence on those plants; 2) to evaluate the effectiveness of the push-pull system by quantifying insect pest presence in the cabbage crop plants. The cabbage plots with push-pull treatments consisting of intercropped tomato plus collards or Red Russian kale had significantly lower DBM numbers throughout the season.