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What Plants Are Cabbage Worms Known to Feed On-

by liuqiyue

What Plants Do Cabbage Worms Eat?

Cabbage worms, also known as cabbageworms or imported cabbageworms, are notorious garden pests that can cause significant damage to cabbage, broccoli, and other cruciferous plants. Understanding what plants cabbage worms eat is crucial for gardeners looking to protect their crops and maintain a healthy garden. In this article, we will explore the plant preferences of cabbage worms and provide some strategies for controlling these pesky insects.

Plant Preferences of Cabbage Worms

Cabbage worms primarily target plants from the Brassica family, which includes vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and collard greens. These insects are attracted to the lush, leafy foliage of these plants, which they feed on voraciously. The caterpillars have a ravenous appetite and can quickly defoliate an entire plant, leaving it vulnerable to other pests and diseases.

In addition to Brassica plants, cabbage worms may also feed on related species, such as mustard and turnip. While these plants may not be as heavily damaged as cruciferous crops, they can still serve as a food source for these pests.

Damage Caused by Cabbage Worms

The damage caused by cabbage worms is often referred to as “worm damage” or “cabbage worm damage.” This damage manifests in several ways:

1. Leaf eating: Cabbage worms chew large, irregular holes in the leaves of their host plants. This can lead to significant leaf loss and weaken the plant.
2. Seedling destruction: Cabbage worms are particularly harmful to young plants, as they can consume the entire plant before it has a chance to establish itself.
3. Caterpillar droppings: As the caterpillars feed, they produce large amounts of droppings, which can stain leaves and create an unappealing environment for other beneficial insects.

Controlling Cabbage Worms

Gardeners have several options for controlling cabbage worms and minimizing damage to their crops:

1. Handpicking: One of the simplest methods for controlling cabbage worms is to handpick the caterpillars off the plants and dispose of them. This can be particularly effective when dealing with a small infestation.
2. Cultural practices: Rotate crops annually to prevent the buildup of cabbage worm populations in the garden. Planting a trap crop, such as radishes or mustard, can also attract cabbage worms away from your main crops.
3. Biological control: Encourage beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and lacewings, which feed on cabbage worm larvae. These insects can help keep cabbage worm populations in check.
4. Pesticides: As a last resort, gardeners can use insecticides to control cabbage worm infestations. However, it’s important to use these products responsibly to avoid harming beneficial insects and the environment.

In conclusion, cabbage worms are a significant threat to cruciferous plants, but gardeners can take steps to minimize damage. By understanding what plants cabbage worms eat and implementing control strategies, gardeners can protect their crops and maintain a healthy garden.

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