Here are the scientific names, family, order, damaging stage, nature of damage, oviposition, pupation site, and management information for several pests that affect cruciferous crops (Cauliflower, Cabbage, Broccoli and Knolkol):
1. Diamondback Moth:
- Scientific Name: Plutella xylostella
- Family: Plutellidae
- Order: Lepidoptera
- Damaging Stage: Larvae
- Nature of Damage: Larvae feed on leaves, causing windowpane-like feeding patterns and skeletonization of foliage.
- Oviposition: Eggs are laid on the undersides of leaves.
- Pupation Site: Pupae are formed in silken cocoons attached to leaves or other surfaces.
- Management: Cultural practices like crop rotation, use of resistant varieties, and biological control agents like parasitic wasps (e.g., Diadegma insulare) can help manage diamondback moths. Insecticides may also be used if necessary.
2. Aphids:
- Scientific Name: Various species, including Brevicoryne brassicae (Cabbage aphid) and Myzus persicae (Green peach aphid)
- Family: Aphididae
- Order: Hemiptera
- Damaging Stage: Adults and nymphs
- Nature of Damage: Aphids suck sap from leaves, causing wilting, curling, stunted growth, and honeydew secretion. They can also transmit viral diseases.
- Oviposition: Aphids give birth to live nymphs without laying eggs.
- Pupation Site: N/A (Aphids do not undergo pupation)
- Management: Natural predators like ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps help control aphids. Insecticidal soaps or oils can also be used for management.
3. Painted Bug:
- Scientific Name: Bagrada hilaris
- Family: Pentatomidae
- Order: Hemiptera
- Damaging Stage: Adults and nymphs
- Nature of Damage: Painted bugs pierce plant tissues and suck sap, causing yellowing, wilting, and necrosis. They can also transmit diseases.
- Oviposition: Eggs are laid on plant parts, usually on the undersides of leaves.
- Pupation Site: N/A (Painted bugs do not undergo pupation)
- Management: Crop rotation, cultivation practices, and insecticide use are common management strategies for painted bugs.
4. Cabbage Butterfly:
- Scientific Name: Pieris rapae
- Family: Pieridae
- Order: Lepidoptera
- Damaging Stage: Larvae (caterpillars)
- Nature of Damage: Larvae feed voraciously on leaves, causing extensive defoliation.
- Oviposition: Eggs are laid on the undersides of leaves.
- Pupation Site: Pupae are formed attached to surfaces using silken threads.
- Management: Handpicking and destroying caterpillars, the use of floating row covers, and the application of insecticides can help manage cabbage butterflies.
5. Leaf-Eating Caterpillar:
- Scientific Name: Various species, including Mamestra brassicae (Cabbage moth) and Plutella xylostella (Diamondback moth)
- Family: Noctuidae
- Order: Lepidoptera
- Damaging Stage: Larvae
- Nature of Damage: Larvae feed on leaves, causing extensive defoliation.
- Oviposition: Eggs are laid on the undersides of leaves.
- Pupation Site: Pupae are formed in the soil.
- Management: Similar to diamondback moth, cultural practices, resistant varieties, and biological control agents can help manage leaf-eating caterpillars. Insecticides can also be used if necessary.
6. Flea Beetle:
- Scientific Name: Phyllotreta spp. (Various species)
- Family: Chrysomelidae
- Order: Coleoptera
- Damaging Stage: Adults and larvae
- Nature of Damage: Adults feed on foliage, creating small holes and pits. Larvae feed on roots.
- Oviposition: Eggs are laid in the soil near host plants.
- Pupation Site: Pupae are formed in the soil.
- Management: Cultural practices like crop rotation, mulching, and insecticide application (systemic or contact) can help manage flea beetles.
7. Head Borer:
- Scientific Name: Helicoverpa armigera
- Family: Noctuidae
- Order: Lepidoptera
- Damaging Stage: Larvae
- Nature of Damage: Larvae bore into the heads or buds of cruciferous crops, causing damage to developing florets.
- Oviposition: Eggs are laid on leaves, flowers, or developing heads.
- Pupation Site: Pupae are formed in the soil.
- Management: Cultural practices, biological control agents, and the use of insecticides can help manage head borers.
8. Mustard Sawfly:
- Scientific Name: Athalia rosae
- Family: Tenthredinidae
- Order: Hymenoptera
- Damaging Stage: Larvae
- Nature of Damage: Larvae feed on leaves, causing skeletonization and defoliation.
- Oviposition: Eggs are laid on the undersides of leaves.
- Pupation Site: Pupae are formed in the soil.
- Management: Crop rotation, cultivation practices, and insecticide application are common management methods for mustard sawflies.
