Comparative effect of integrated pest management and farmers standard pest control practice for managing the insect pests on cabbage

Studies were conducted on cabbage planting in 2009 (experimental plantings) and 2010 (experimental and commercial field) that compared the current farmers chemical standard pesticide practices with an integrated pest management (IPM) program based on neem (Aza-Direct) and Dipel (Bacillus thuringiensis). In experimental plantings at a University of Guam Agricultural Experiment Stations in Yigo and Inarajan locations, the IPM program used 6 or 8 application of Aza-Direct and Dipel on rotational basis while the chemical standard practice treatments consisted of 6 or 8 applications of carbaryl and malathion or control treatment. Each control program was evaluated for pest damage and yield levels. The IPM treatments reduced the pest populations and damage resulting better yield compared to standard chemical or control treatment. The IPM treatment including 3 sprays of Aza-Direct + 3 sprays of Dipel (rotational basis) (experimental field) was evaluated with the farmers chemical standard practice (five commercial fields). Here again, each control program was evaluated for yield, crop value, and cost of the control strategies. The IPM treatment reduced the pest population and damage, resulting in better yield and net profits. The reduced input costs of the IPM program resulted in better economic returns in both the trials. The IPM program generated a net profit more than $672/ha higher than that of the farmer’s chemical standard practice. These results indicated the IPM components, such as neem and Dipel, that these are suitable components in an IPM program for managing the occurring insect pests on cabbage.