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INSECT ENEMIES OF CABBAGE. 



By Franklin Sherman, Jr., Entomologist. 



INTRODUCTION. 



The cabbage crop is an important item in North Carolina. Not only 

 is the cabbage grown in all home gardens, but it is an important com- 

 mercial crop. In the east there is a well-developed industry in the 

 growing of early cabbage for shipment to northern markets — while in 

 the mountain counties of western North Carolina the late cabbage crop 

 is important, and quantities are shipped from Mount Airy, Elkin, 

 Wilkesboro, Lenoir, Asheville, Waynesville, Hendersonville, Brevard, 

 and other points. The fact that it is, generally speaking, a certain and 

 dependable crop, and that it is adapted for growing in rotations and 

 between rows of other crops, in orchards, etc., all combine to make it a 

 favorite. Furthermore, the cultivation which is given to the cabbage 

 leaves the land in most excellent condition for other crops to follow. 

 Hence, regardless of the fact that prices are sometimes unsatisfactory 

 the cabbage crop is now, and will continue to be, a very important one. 



But like other crops the cabbage has its enemies. We can not in the 

 nature of things develop a great agricultural industry without at the 

 same time increasing its enemies. These enemies may be what are 

 known as fungous diseases, bacterial diseases, or insect pests. 



This bulletin is devoted to a consideration of the insect enemies of the 

 cabbage, with brief discussion of some important diseases in the last 

 pages. Along with the discussion of each insect we discuss the remedies 

 which can be used against it, and lest any one remedy should fail or 

 be unavailable to the grower we also mention remedies which have been 

 recommended or used in other States. 



Practically all of the insects that attack cabbage also attack other 

 crops that are related to cabbage, such as turnips, cauliflower, kale, 

 mustard and collards.* Hence this bulletin, although written with 

 special reference to cabbage, includes practically all of the insects that 

 are serious pests of these other crops. 



CULTURE CONSIDERATIONS. 



It is an old saying that ''an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of 

 cure." It is often easier to avoid trouble than it is to get out of it, and 

 the same rule holds good in regard to some insect pests. It is quite 

 practicable to lessen the amount of injury to the cabbage crop by hand- 

 ling the crop in such a way as to give the least possible encouragement 

 to its insect enemies. 



•For the benefit of readers in the western part of the State and others, it may be said that the" collard" 

 IS a cabbage-like vegetable with rather long stem, which does not form a head. By many it is preferred 

 to the cabbage. It is more especially a fall and winter vegetable, although can be used from June to 

 April. It is grown for home use throughout the warmer part of the State and corresponding parts of 

 other Southern States. 



