The Influence of Host Plants on Herbivore Community Composition on Brassica Crops in Western Siberia

Abstract EN

Experiments on three varieties of Brassica oleracea (white cabbage, red cabbage, and cauliflower) were conducted during the years 2008–2011 in Western Siberia (Russia) to study the influence of host plant on herbivore infestation.

The results revealed the evidence of different infestation of white cabbage, red cabbage, and cauliflower by the common herbivores in Western Siberia.

Flea beetles as the earliest herbivores preferred to infest white cabbage.

Contrary to those herbivores, M.

brassicae and P.

xylostella larvae infested red cabbage most of all.

The latest herbivore of all plants studied, P.

brassicae, preferred cauliflower but not red cabbage.

The possible contribution of some factors in summary effects observed in the study was discussed.

Further studies are being planned in which tritrophic interaction including B.

oleracea plant, herbivore, and microbial insecticides should be investigated.

These studies will help to develop biological insect control on Brassica oleracea crops in order to supply ecologically safe plant protection.