Factors Affecting Oviposition ofPieris rapae1on Cabbage2

Abstract

The effects of varietal characteristics, leaf-feeding damage, plant age and plant size on oviposition by the imported cabbageworm, Pieris rapae (L.) on cabbage were investigated during a 3-yr period in Chesterfield Co., VA. Varietal characteristics as manifest in cultivars of savoy, smooth green and red cabbage significantly affected egg-laying ( P < 0.05). However, cultivar preference was not definitive and temporal variation occurred as the season progressed ( P < 0.05). Plant size and age significantly affected oviposition ( P < 0.01). Foliage damage caused by 3rd-instar P. rapae feeding for 48 h in groups of 2, 4, and 8 did not influence egg-laying significantly ( P > 0.05). These findings are discussed in relation to P. rapae 's oviposition behavior.