Cabbage White Caterpillars
Chewing larvae of cabbage white butterflies causing holes and skeletonised brassica leaves.
Cabbage white caterpillars (Pieris brassicae and P. rapae) attack brassicas in field and protected production. Larvae chew large holes and can rapidly skeletonise leaves, contaminating crops with frass. Biological control includes Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) products, entomopathogenic nematodes and egg parasitoids such as Trichogramma brassicae, combined with netting and removal of heavily infested plants.
Biological Controls for Cabbage White Caterpillars
The options below are examples of beneficial insects and biological products commonly used against cabbage white caterpillars. Always refer to supplier guidance and product labels for crop safety and local registration status.
Trichogramma spp.
Product: Tricholine (field use)
Environment: outdoor
Temperature Range: 18.0 – 30.0°C
Rate: As per field label for brassicas
Frequency: Repeat throughout egg-laying period
Part of an integrated brassica IPM programme — always follow UK label guidance.
Related Biological Solutions
Growers dealing with cabbage white caterpillars often also monitor these pests as part of a complete IPM programme: