Effects of cultural packages and chemical pesticide against infestation of cabbage by diamondback moth (Plutellaxylostella L.)

Different cultural packages were assessed to determine their effectiveness in controlling diamondback moth (DBM) infestation on Copenhagen market cabbage variety. ‘Neem leaf extract+tomatointercrop+manure+mulch’; ‘Tomato intercrop+manure+mulch’; and ‘Neem leafextract+manure+mulch’ treatments were compared with commercial pesticide i.e. dimethoate and unsprayed treatments (control). Field experiments laid in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications were carried out from August to December 2013 and July to December 2014 at Koro and Bungatira Sub-counties, respectively, in Gulu district. There were significantly (P < 0.05) lower number of larvae infestation in plots treated with Dimethoate; and ‘Neem leaf extract+tomatointercrop+manure+mulch’ as compared to other treatments. Generally, ‘Neem leaf extract+tomatointercrop+manure+mulch’ treatment performed close to commercial dimethoate pesticide in the control of DBM. By adopting this package, farmers will reduce pesticide sprays targeting DBM pests and gain from higher yield and chemical free products, also extra money from the tomato intercrop.