Cabbage Budworm in Desert Cole Crops

Abstract

This IPM short addresses the biology, damage, and management of the cabbage budworm (Hellula phidilealis), an occasional pest of Cole crops in the desert Southwest. Although historically rare, damaging infestations occurred in fall 2022 on broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and kale, particularly in organic systems. Larvae bore into terminal stems, causing adventitious bud formation or blind plants with no marketable heads. Because larvae quickly tunnel into tissue, insecticide efficacy is limited. The publication emphasizes timely detection, sanitation, and the use of systemic soil insecticides to manage outbreaks and reduce crop injury.