FACTORS AFFECTING OVIPOSITION OF PIERIS-RAPAE (LEPIDOPTERA, PIERIDAE) ON CABBAGE

The effects of varietal characteristics, leaf-feeding damage, plant age and plant size on oviposition by the imported cabbageworm, Pieris rapae (L.) on cabbage were investigated during a 3-yr period in Chesterfield Co., VA. Varietal characteristics as manifest in cultivars of savoy, smooth green and red cabbage significantly affected egg-laying (P < 0.05). However, cultivar preference was not definitive and temporal variation occurred as the season progressed (P < 0.05). Plant size and age significantly affected oviposition (P < 0.01). Foliage damage caused by 3rd-instar P. rapae feeding for 48 h in groups of 2, 4, and 8 did not influence egg-laying significandy (P > 0.05). These findings are discussed in relation to-P. rapae's oviposition behavior. © 1979 Entomological Society of America.