Studies on the role of insectivorous birds in managing insect pests of cabbage (Brassica oleracea var capitata L)

Role of insectivorous birds in the suppression of insect pest population affecting cabbage crop was studied in the field using net and perches to exclude birds or help birds to sit and locate the prey easily. A total of 12 bird species were observed feeding on cabbage aphid (Brevicoryne brassicae), diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella), cabbage semilooper (Thysanoplusia orichalcea), cabbage white butterfly (Pieris brassicae) and gram pod borer (Helicoverpa armigera). Amongst these red vented bulbul (Pycnonotus cafer) used the perches maximum times (3.44/h) and made the highest successful attempts (1.26/h) in picking up the insect pests. Significantly higher number of insect pests/plant was recorded in netted plot compared to open and perched plots which showed the predatory potential of birds. Cabbage head yield was maximum in perched plot (31.93 tonnes/ha) and minimum in netted plot (29.18 tonnes/ha).