Editorial photo #11101835 Human Interest

Pest Of Cauliflower

Caterpillars are currently the most common pests of cole crops like cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis), and they represent the immature larval stage of butterflies and moths. The imported cabbageworm, also known as Pieris rapae or ''cabbage worm,'' is the most common caterpillar found in gardens. Other prevalent caterpillars of cole crops include the cabbage looper, known scientifically as Trichoplusia ni, which is a significant pest that causes considerable crop damage, and the diamondback moth, whose caterpillars feed between the large veins and midribs of cole crops, with older, larger caterpillars inflicting the most feeding damage. To eliminate caterpillars, methods such as spraying with Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki (Btk), sprinkling a powder over the caterpillars, and removing the caterpillars by hand are being used. Cauliflower also occasionally suffers damage from other pests like armyworms, cabbage worms, aphids, harlequin bugs, and flea beetles. In Tehatta, West Bengal, India, on April 3, 2024, numerous larvae are being seen coming out of a cauliflower after it has been cut. (Photo by Soumyabrata Roy/NurPhoto)