Suitability of three different Brassicas as trap crops against flea beetles (Phyllotreta spp.) and cabbage stink bugs (Eurydema spp.) on white cabbage

Abstract: Numerous studies have examined the responses of pests to different cole crops. In this paper we would like to present results of a 2-year study (2009-2010) and its usefulness in sustainable agriculture. We evaluated the impact of three trap crops (oil radish, oil rape, and white mustard) as a protection method against cabbage stink bugs (Eurydema spp.) and flea beetles (Phyllotreta spp.) attack on two hybrids of white cabbage. The experiment was designed as randomized complete block with four treatments, each replicated 4 times. We can conclude that oil rape was the most efficient trap crop concerning damage caused by cabbage stink bugs. In 2010, we evaluated oil radish as the most susceptible to flea beetles, while they did not display specific preference to any of trap crops tested in 2009. Our research confirms the theory that the amount of glucosinolates varies among different plant species and also among different plant organs.