Comparative study on the potency of certain chemical and safe al-Ternative compounds against the small white butterfly, Pieris Rapae (L)‎ (Lepidoptera: Pieridae)‎, infesting cabbage plantations in Assiut, upper Egypt

الملخص EN

The small white cabbage butterfly, Pieris rapae (L) is one of the most serious insect pests infesting cruciferous plants especially cabbage.

Comparison between the potency of certain chemical and safe alternative compounds in reducing, P.

rapae larval populations in the field was the corner stone of this investigation.

Also, their potency to reduce the pest infestation levels and yield loss (unmarketable plants) has been taken in consideration.

The pest larvae were recorded in very small numbers; 14 days post application (round up the economic threshold) by using most of the tested compounds.

Potency of the tested compounds indicated that, Broact 5% SG (Emamectin Benzoate) showed the highest reduction percentages, (93.29% for larvae populations; 52.13% for infestation percentages and 36.04% for unmarketable plants).

It followed by the newly introduced European compounds, Karate® Zeon (Lambda cyhalothrin Sc 9.4%) and Evure® (Tau-Fluvilonat).

However, Melody 24% SC (Metoxyfenozide) and Biosad 22% SC (Spinosad) appeared as the least effective compounds.

In general, it can be concluded that, Broact 5% SG in the rate of 8 gm.

/100 Litter water, was the most effective against P.

rapae larvae, providing an increase of marketable cabbage plants by 36.04% with one application per season.

Therefore, it can be recommended to use Broact 5% SG , Karate® Zeon and Evure® in the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs for controlling the small white cabbage butterfly, P.

rapae in the future