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 yiel d were studied. White cabbage cv. Minicole was intercropped with Trifo lium repens (white clover) and Trifolium subterraneum (subterranean cl over) as compared to the monocrop. During the season observations were made on pest population developments, especially of Mamestra brassica e L. (cabbage moth), Brevicoryne brassicae L. (cabbage aphid), Delia b rassicae 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 i n terms of suppression of oviposition and larval populations of variou s pests were found. Although no pesticides were used and competition r educed 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.