Biocontrol Technology of Cabbage Butterfly
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The cabbage butterfly, also known as the cabbage white butterfly, is a common pest that affects cruciferous vegetables, particularly cabbages. Its larval stage, called the cabbage caterpillar, is responsible for most of the damage to crops. These larvae feed on the leaves, and their excrement contaminates the foliage, making it unsuitable for consumption. In rainy conditions, the damaged leaves are more prone to soft rot, further worsening the problem.
The optimal environmental conditions for the cabbage butterfly are temperatures between 20°C and 25°C, with a relative humidity of around 76%. The pest is most active during spring and autumn when the weather is cooler, which supports its life cycle and population growth. This makes these seasons the most critical periods for monitoring and managing infestations.
To control the cabbage butterfly, biological methods are often preferred due to their safety and effectiveness. One common approach is using 1.8% Avedine EC diluted at 3000–4000 times, or 0.9% ECDF at 2000–3000 times. Another option is applying Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) at a dilution of 500–800 times, or 1000 times for more concentrated applications. These biopesticides target the larvae without harming beneficial insects or the environment.
Farmers can also create homemade biological pesticides by collecting infected cabbage butterfly larvae from the field. Infected larvae, typically those affected by the granulosis virus, show initial signs of illness, such as a change in color from greenish to yellowish-white. As the disease progresses, the larvae stop molting, their body segments swell, and they eventually die. Dead larvae often hang upside down or in an "eight-shaped" position on leaves, releasing odorless yellow-white fluids.
To prepare the homemade solution, collect the dead larvae, mash them, and mix with water to create a viral suspension. If stored properly in a refrigerator at around 7°C, the solution can retain its virulence for up to one year. This method is especially effective against early-stage larvae (1st to 3rd instars), offering good control when applied regularly.
For different vegetable types, the number of treatments may vary. Cabbage usually requires 1–2 sprays from planting to harvest, while kale might need 3–4 applications, spaced 10–15 days apart. To apply the homemade solution, use 3–5 grams of 5-year-old dead larvae per acre, mixed with 37–50 kg of water. This natural approach not only helps manage pests but also promotes sustainable farming practices.