EFFECTS OF INTERCROPPING WHITE CABBAGE WITH CLOVERS ON PEST INFESTATION AND YIELD

During two consecutive years the effects of intercropping fresh market white cabbage with two species of clover on pest populations and yield were studied. White cabbage cv. Minicole was intercropped with Trifolium repens (white clover) and Trifolium subterraneum (subterranean clover) as compared to the monocrop. During the season observations were made on pest population developments, especially of Mamestra brassicae L. (cabbage moth), Brevicoryne brassicae L. (cabbage aphid), Delia brassicae L. (cabbage root fly), and evaluation of caterpillar feeding injury. At harvest the yield in quantity and quality was determined to be able to assess the gross financial result. Intercropping effects in terms of suppression of oviposition and larval populations of various pests were found. Although no pesticides were used and competition reduced the weight, the quality of the intercropped cabbages lead to a better financial result compared to the monocropped cabbage crop. The results are discussed in the perspective of the practical implications in the context of IPM.