Effects of Cabbage Looper, Imported Cabbageworm, and Diamondback Moth on Fresh Market and Processing Cabbage1234

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Abstract
Action thresholds for lepidopterans on fresh market cabbage in New York are proposed. These are based on foliage consumption rates of the cabbage looper, Trichoplusia ni (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), imported cabbageworm, Pieris rapae (L.) (Lepidoptera: Pieridae), and diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Yponomeutidae), incorporated with actual larval counts of these pests. Once head formation is initiated, cabbage can tolerate ca. 0.5 cabbage looper equivalents per plant before head damage occurs. Larval populations can be permitted to build before head formation, without a loss in weight or marketability, provided they are treated with an effective insecticide at head initiation and treated thereafter at a low threshold. Head weight, rather than cosmetic appearance, is more valid criterion for processing cabbage but was not accurately predicted by larval counts.