2004 - 2005 CUIPM Grants -
Final Reports

IPM Guide for Small-Scale Cabbage and Collard Production

Problem: Proper identification of the major pests and beneficial insects on cabbage, collard and other brassica crops is a major component of a successful IPM program. The major pests attacking these crops are imported cabbage worm (ICW), diamondback moth (DBM) and cabbage looper (CL). These insects can cause severe damages to the crops which generally results in significant economic losses to growers.

Presently, the level of pest identification by cabbage and collard growers is limited. Growers are also limited in their ability to properly identify beneficial insects such as predators and parasitoids they may find in fields. Furthermore, some growers are not fully aware of the role the beneficial insects play in controlling the major pests of these crops. Without proper identification, growers will have difficulty developing an effective control program that will successfully manage the pests and beneficial insects complex found in these crops. The objectives of the guide are:

• To provide cabbage and collard growers with a user-friendly and practical guide that will increase their insect identification skills.
• To increase grower knowledge of insect pests, natural enemies' identification and IPM practices among growers.
• To promote IPM practices among cabbage and collard growers.

Methodology: The IPM guide was developed by Clemson University IPM experts. The guide was designed to be user-friendly and practical. This was done to encourage growers to use the guide as an in-field reference to identify harmful and beneficial insects.

The first section of the guide contains photographs and a description of the life cycle, damage symptoms, pest status and other remarks about harmful insects. The second and third sections cover information on beneficial insects/spiders and diseases of cabbage and collard. Sampling procedures, insect resistance and sprayer calibration were also included in the guide. A decision was made to not include chemical control. However, growers are encouraged to use B.T. and other soft chemistry chemicals, which do not affect natural enemies.

Results: Three hundred (300) IPM booklets were designed and printed. The guide was designed to encourage field use by growers. The guide can be ordered from the Clemson University Bulletin Room, the publication number is EB 156.

In evaluating the program, a pre-test and post-test and evaluation sheet were used. Fourteen people took the test and post-test. Nine people made 60 or below. Of these, all passed the post-test with a score of eighty or above. One person made a 10 and increased his score to 70. Four made a 70 or better on the pre-test and increased their score by 10 to 30 points. The participants also completed an evaluation on the speakers and effectiveness on the program. The results are graphed below.

Outcome: It is expected that widespread use of this guide by growers will lead to increased adoption of IPM practices among cabbage and collard growers. Additionally, it should promote environmentally friendly farming practices among growers. It will also lead to a reduction in the use of old chemistry pesticide and promote an increase in use of the new "soft" chemistry pesticides in their IPM program. In addition, the use of IPM practices by these growers should lead to increased farm profitability.

Questions or comments:
Amy Nichols
Associate Coordinator
IPM and
Sustainable Agriculture
Programs
Contact

Dr. Geoffrey Zehnder
Professor of Entomology, Soils & Plant Sciences
IPM and
Sustainable Agriculture
Programs
114 Long Hall, Box 340315
Clemson, SC 29634-0315
864 - 656 - 6644
Contact

Last revised:
8/4/2006