Preliminary study on use of companion crop to reduce infestation of Hellula undalis on cabbage

Nurin Izzati, M.Z.^1*, Norzainih, J.J.², Aimi Athirah, A.³, Siti Noor Aishikin, A.H.¹, Mohamad Shahidan,
M.S.⁴ and Nur Izzatur Syamira, B.⁵

Abstract
Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) is an essential vegetable in Malaysia, with the highest/capita consumption
compared to other vegetables. However, growing this vegetable can be difficult because it serves as a host plant
for several pests including Hellula undalis. Single larva attack by Hellula undalis can kill the plant or result in the
production of numerous unmarketable heads, making it a particularly dangerous pest for cabbage plants. The study aims
to determine the type of companion crop that would be suitable for cabbage to reduce the attack of H. undalis. The
trials were conducted in cages in glasshouse condition with randomized complete block design (RCBD) experimental
design with three replicates. Each cage was filled with one cabbage and four companion crops either chive, kailan,
mustard or bean as treatments, while the control cage was filled with five cabbage plants. Data was collected for 2
weeks and analysed using one way ANOVA. Result showed a significant different between treatments as kailan is
the most effective trap crop (significance p-value <α = 0.05, p = 0.000), while chives can be promising intercrop to
be planted with cabbage against H. undalis in the glasshouse condition. Nevertheless, as more parameters might be
taken into consideration in the field, the outcome might differ. Further research is needed to fully comprehend the
relationship between insect interaction and plant selection in the field and the practicality of adopting companion crop
strategy for sustainable agriculture.

Keywords: pest control, companion crop, Hellula undalis, cabbage

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