Cabbage Production Research Articles

Pesticides used on the cultivation of Brassica oleracae var capitata L. (cabbage) in the Niayes area (Senegal): Impact on the environment and the health of producers

The Niayes area, by its climate and its morpho-pedology, is a favorite area for market gardening in Senegal. For vegetables, it is accredited to more than 60% of harvests. Among the cultivated speculations is the cabbage (Brassica oleracae var capitata L.). With a view to alleviating the negative effect of pests, a variety of pesticides are used by producers. This study was undertaken with a view to contribute to a better knowledge of the pesticides used in the production of Cabbage (Brassica Oleracea) in the Niayes. Specifically, it aims to characterize the pesticides used in the area and to determine their impacts on the environment and the health of producers. To carry out this study, a survey was carried out among 163 cabbage producers in the Niayes area (Mboro and Diogo) from February 06 to March 03, 2018. The data entry and processing of the results were made thanks to the Epi info software and Excel spreadsheet. The results showed that 87.1% of producers use chemicals. At the end of this study, 24 active ingredients, mainly comprising four (4) major chemical families, were identified. The most widely used pesticides are insecticides, insecticides-acaricides-nematicides and herbicides with respectively 56%, 12% and 11% of citations. Profenofos is the most cited active ingredient with 21.1% followed by emamectin benzoate with 14%, pendiimathalin (12%) and carbofuran (11%). In addition, Organophosphates and Amino-Phosphates are the most representative chemical families with 48% and 15% citations, respectively. Among the producers; 85.9% have already suffered from poisoning from the use of pesticides. 43% of producers reported the death of insects and other animals as a result of the treatments.

Optimizing nutrient use efficiency, productivity, energetics, and economics of red cabbage following mineral fertilization and biopriming with compatible rhizosphere microbes

Conventional agricultural practices and rising energy crisis create a question about the sustainability of the present-day food production system. Nutrient exhaustive crops can have a severe impact on native soil fertility by causing nutrient mining. In this backdrop, we conducted a comprehensive assessment of bio-priming intervention in red cabbage production considering nutrient uptake, the annual change in soil fertility, nutrient use efficiency, energy budgeting, and economic benefits for its sustainable intensification, among resource-poor farmers of Middle Gangetic Plains. The compatible microbial agents used in the study include Trichoderma harzianum, Pseudomonas fluorescens, and Bacillus subtilis. Field assays (2016–2017 and 2017–2018) of the present study revealed supplementing 75% of recommended NPK fertilizer with dual inoculation of T. harzianum and P. fluorescens increased macronutrient uptake (N, P, and K), root length, heading percentage, head diameter, head weight, and the total weight of red cabbage along with a positive annual change in soil organic carbon. Maximum positive annual change in available N and available P was recorded under 75% RDF + P. fluorescens + B. subtilis and 75% RDF + T. harzianum + B. subtilis, respectively. Bio-primed plants were also higher in terms of growth and nutrient use efficiency (agronomic efficiency, physiological efficiency, apparent recovery efficiency, partial factor productivity). Energy output (26,370 and 26,630 MJ ha−1), energy balance (13,643 and 13,903 MJ ha−1), maximum gross return (US $ 16,030 and 13,877 ha−1), and net return (US $ 15,966 and 13,813 ha−1) were considerably higher in T. harzianum, and P. fluorescens treated plants. The results suggest the significance of the bio-priming approach under existing integrated nutrient management strategies and the role of dual inoculations in producing synergistic effects on plant growth and maintaining the soil, food, and energy nexus.

Weed Suppression, Nitrogen Availability, and Cabbage Production Following Sunn Hemp or Sorghum-sudangrass

Cover crops included in a crop rotation can help increase nitrogen (N) availability to subsequent crops, raise soil organic matter, and suppress emergence and growth of various weed species. However, weed suppression by cover crops has mostly been investigated shortly after cover crop termination and not over a longer period spanning into the next cropping season. The effects of sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea) and sorghum-sudangrass (Sorghum ×drummondi) planted the previous year on N availability before transplanting of late summer cabbage (Brassica oleracea), weed germination and growth, and cabbage yield was examined in field studies conducted in 2018 and 2019 at Pittstown, NJ. Results established that there was little evidence for a functional difference in soil N availability for fall cabbage production because of previous cover crop type. Heavy rainfall events both years may have caused major losses of available N that might otherwise be expected to come from N mineralization of residues of legume cover crop like sunn hemp. During the cover crop season, smooth pigweed (Amaranthus hybridus) and common lambsquarters (Chenopodium album) dry biomass was 77% and 82% lower, respectively, in sorghum-sudangrass compared with sunn hemp plots. The subsequent season following sorghum-sudangrass cover crop, dry biomass of broadleaf weeds was lower by 74% and 56% in June and July, respectively, compared with preceding sunn hemp. Smooth pigweed, common lambsquarters, and hairy galinsoga (Galinsoga quadriradiata) were the weed species most consistently affected by preceding sorghum-sudangrass cover crop with biomass decreased by up to 80%, 78%, and 64%, respectively. Thus, it appears that sorghum-sudangrass can provide suppression of some broadleaf species over a relatively long period and is indicative of sorghum-sudangrass allelopathic activity. On the contrary, density and biomass of grassy weeds as well as commercial yield of transplanted cabbage were unaffected by the preceding cover crop. These results suggest that sorghum-sudangrass cover crop could be integrated to transplanted cole crop rotation for providing weed suppression benefits without altering crop yield in New Jersey organic vegetable cropping systems.

The Effect of Spraying Rocket Plant Extract and Ground Addition of Organic Nutrient (Karma maxi org) on The Growth and Production of Cabbage

The experiment was carried out in open field of the research station at College of Agriculture / University of Diyala during two seasons 2018 and 2019. The aim of the study is to investigate the effect of foliar spraying with water extract of Rocket at three concentrations of 0, 50,, and 100% in and ground addition of Organic solution at three concentrations 0, 15, 20 ml. L-1 in. The Randomized Complete Block Design was used with three replicates. The results showed that spraying water extract of Rocket was superior in 100%. It was found that the highest values in stem height, number of external leaves, head diameter and head weight, and total yield for both seasons 13.36 cm, 12.57 leaf, 14.94 cm, 1.302 kg. plant-1 and 43.417 tons. H -1 For the first season, 10.92 cm, 12.64 leaves, 15.26 cm, 1.308 kg. Plant-1 and 43.618 tons. H-1) for the second season. Also, the ground addition of solution was superior at 20 ml. L-1 in all studied traits. They did not differ significantly from the 15ml.L-1 concentration. However, they differ significantly from the control treatment, which gave the lowest values for all traits and both seasons. As for the treatment of interaction which was (20 ml.L-1 and 100% of Rocket extract), it exceeded all treatments and for both seasons.were recorded 13.42 cm, 12.88 leaf, 15.77 cm, 1.351 kg. Plant-1 and 45.028 tons. H-1 for the first season, as well as 11.03 cm, 13.01 leaf, 15.80 cm, 1.383 kg. plant-1 and 46.096 tons. H-1 for the second season.

Response of different organic nutrient management schedules on productivity, head quality, nutrient uptake and economics of organic cabbage

Field experiments were conducted to explore the possibilityof improving the productivity of organic cabbage byevaluating the response of different organic nutrientschedules comprising of enriched farmyard manure,vermicompost and poultry manure as basal and top-dressingduring winter season of 2017-18 and 2018-19 at UBKV,Pundibari, West Bengal. The experiment consisted of 8treatment combinations and laid out in randomized blockdesign with three replications. The results revealed that theuse of Azophos biofertilizer enriched poultry manure (5t/ha)as basal along with 2-times top dressing (1 t/ha) at 30 and 45days after transplanting significantly increased the headyield (1.64 kg/plant and 42.76 t/ha) along with superior headquality in terms of maximum vitamin A (126.01 IU/100 g),vitamin C (44.02 mg/100 g) and TSS (6.50 oBrix) of organiccabbage. The treatment combination comprised of Azophosbiofertilizer enriched vermicompost (2.5 t/ha) and enrichedpoultry manure (2.5 t/ha) as basal along with 2 times topdressing of both (0.5 t/ha) at 30 and 45 days aftertransplanting proved to be the second-best option fororganic cabbage cultivation of the region.

Sustainability performance of organic farming at vegetable fields in Tabanan, Bali, Indonesia

<p>Sustainable agriculture aims to maintain high productivity while maintaining soil quality. The purpose of this study is to determine the sustainability performance of organic vegetable farming systems with soil quality indicators as a soil quality assessment tool. Soil physical, chemical, and biological properties in Chinese cabbage in Baturiti Subdistrict, Tabanan Regency, Bali, Indonesia, were evaluated as indicators for predicting organic cabbage production and yield. Soil samples were obtained from organic farming systems that have been going on for 1, 3, and 5 years after certification, compared with conventional farming systems. The results showed that the soil quality of the organic farming system after 5 years (OF5) was significantly higher than the conventional farming system. Physically, soil moisture at the field capacity in OF5 was significantly higher than that in the other systems. Chemically, the organic C and cation exchange capacity in organic systems were significantly higher than in conventional systems. The same results were shown by soil respiration, which means that there was high soil microbial activity. Based on the cumulative soil quality rating, it is concluded that the OF5 system met the sustainability criteria, with no high input required.</p>

Cabbage production in function of castor bean cake doses in top dressing

The researches with organic fertilization in top dressing in production of vegetables are rare, thereby, the objective of this study was to evaluate castor bean cake doses in top dressing in cabbage production. Seven treatments, six castor bean cake doses in top dressing (0; 50; 100; 150; 200 and 250 g m-2) and an inorganic control with ammonium sulphate (11.5 g m-2 of N) and potassium chloride (5.4 g m-2 of K2O) in top dressing were evaluated, in randomized blocks experimental design, with five replicates. Before planting it was made fertilization with organic compost (20 t ha-1) and inorganic NPK fertilizer (4-14-8) (1 t ha-1), only in inorganic control. The characteristics evaluated were: cabbage head diameter, height, number of leaves, fresh and dry weight of cabbage. The application of castor bean cake in top dressing increased the diameter, height, number of leaves, fresh and dry weight of cabbage, with maximum values of 164 mm, 109 mm, 30 leaves, 1470 g and 103 g, respectively. The average fresh and dry weight obtained in the two highest doses of castor bean cake did not differ from the inorganic control, proving the technical viability of its using. Therefore, it can be recommended application of at least 200 g m-2 of castor bean cake in top dressing for cabbage production.

On-Farm Effects of Drainage System on the Productivity of Chinese Cabbage (Brassica pekinensis L. Rupr.) of Farmers in Svay Rieng Province, Cambodia

On-Farm Effects of Drainage System on the Productivity of Chinese Cabbage (Brassica pekinensis L. Rupr.) of Farmers in Svay Rieng Province, Cambodia

Root morphology ion absorption and antioxidative defense system of two Chinese cabbage cultivars (Brassica rapa L.) reveal the different adaptation mechanisms to salt and alkali stress.

Salt stress and alkali stress are major factors that affect the growth and production of Chinese cabbage. To explore their tolerant mechanism to salt and alkali stress, three salinity levels (0, 50, 100mmol/L NaCl) and three different pH levels (pH6.5, pH7.5, pH8.5) were interactively applied on Qinghua (salt-tolerant-alkali-sensitive) and Biyu (salt-sensitive-alkali-tolerant) cultivars; the root morphology, ion content and antioxidant enzymes were determined. The results showed that the root morphology and root water content of Qinghua under S0pH7.5 and S0pH8.5 were seriously affected, and the content of H2O2 and MDA increased by 143%, 190% and 234%, 294%, respectively, compared with S0pH6.5; when Biyu was under S50pH6.5 and S100pH6.5 stress, the content of H2O2 and MDA increase to 152%, 208% and to 240%, 263%, respectively, but the activities and genes expression of SOD, POD, CAT, AAO, APX, DHAR and MDHAR did not change. The root and the contents of H2O2 and MDA were not affected when Qinghua was treated with salt and Biyu was treated with alkali, but the activities of the antioxidant enzymes increased to 150-200%, and their relative expression was overexpressed and 2.5-3.5-fold of the S0pH6.5. The increase of Na+ in Qinghua was limited under salt stress, Mg2+ in Biyu increased significantly under alkali stress. These all indicated that the adaptability of roots could reflect the degree of tolerance; Chinese cabbage with high salt and alkali tolerance enhanced the regulation of their absorption of ions and increased the relative expression and activities of related antioxidant enzymes.

Fallow management input strategies for weed management in Florida cabbage production.

Fallow period weed management is an important Florida production consideration due to its duration and impact on the cash crop. Cover cropping is a valuable summer fallow period option for weed suppression. Sorghum-sudangrass is a commonly used, competitive, and allelopathic Florida summer cover crop. The effect of increased seeding rate, a herbicide application, and added fertilizer inputs during the fallow period on the cover crop, weed populations, and cabbage yield was explored and compared to nontreated and chemical fallow controls. Increased sorghum-sudangrass seeding rates had no effect on the resultant stand density or biomass compared to the standard seeding rate. Cover cropping did not consistently suppress purple nutsedge, Florida pusley, or wild radish and added fertilizer inputs produced variable results. S-metolachlor enhanced purple nutsedge suppression at low densities but did not improve grass, wild radish, and Florida pusley suppression. Increased fallow management inputs did not consistently enhance weed suppression or provide benefit to the cash crop. Sorghum-sudangrass suppressed Poaceae densities during the fallow period but did not adequately suppress nutsedge, wild radish, or Florida pusley densities over time. We conclude that weed management inputs should be focused on the cash crop and that enhanced management during the fallow period has limited benefit. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Semantic Segmentation of Cabbage in the South Korea Highlands with Images by Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

Identifying agricultural fields that grow cabbage in the highlands of South Korea is critical for accurate crop yield estimation. Only grown for a limited time during the summer, highland cabbage accounts for a significant proportion of South Korea’s annual cabbage production. Thus, it has a profound effect on the formation of cabbage prices. Traditionally, labor-extensive and time-consuming field surveys are manually carried out to derive agricultural field maps of the highlands. Recently, high-resolution overhead images of the highlands have become readily available with the rapid development of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and remote sensing technology. In addition, deep learning-based semantic segmentation models have quickly advanced by recent improvements in algorithms and computational resources. In this study, we propose a semantic segmentation framework based on state-of-the-art deep learning techniques to automate the process of identifying cabbage cultivation fields. We operated UAVs and collected 2010 multispectral images under different spatiotemporal conditions to measure how well semantic segmentation models generalize. Next, we manually labeled these images at a pixel-level to obtain ground truth labels for training. Our results demonstrate that our framework performs well in detecting cabbage fields not only in areas included in the training data but also in unseen areas not included in the training data. Moreover, we analyzed the effects of infrared wavelengths on the performance of identifying cabbage fields. Based on the results of our framework, we expect agricultural officials to reduce time and manpower when identifying information about highlands cabbage fields by replacing field surveys.

Response of Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var capitata L.) to Organic and Inorganic Fertilizer

Aim: The experiment was conducted in the Kintampo North Municipality during the 2017 cropping season from August to November to evaluate the response of cabbage to different soil amendments.
 Methods: It was a single factor experiment laid out in a Randomized Complete Block design with three replications. The five treatments which includes NPK 15-15-15, poultry manure, cow dung and goat manure and a control.
 Results: Parameters measured were plant height, number of leaves, leave length, canopy diameter, head diameter and head weight. Generally, all treatments performed better than the control used in the study.
 Conclusions: Poultry manure performed similar to NPK 15-15-15, and were superior to all other treatments in all parameters measured. Cow dung and goat manure performed fairly well in the parameters measured.
 Recommendation: The study therefore recommends the application of poultry manure for improved growth, yield maximization and sustainable cabbage production. Application of cow dung and goat manure can also be adopted for appreciable yields of cabbage.

Inactivation of bacteria causing soft rot disease in fresh cut cabbage using slightly acidic electrolyzed water

Slightly acidic electrolyzed water (SAEW), an efficient non-thermal microbial inactivation technique, has been broadly applied to control food safety and quality. This study aimed to evaluate the bactericidal effects of SAEW treatments on fresh cut cabbage and to assess the optimal treatment conditions for inactivating Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum (PCC), which is among the most common causes of soft rot in cabbage. To this end, multivariate statistical analysis was performed using response surface methodology (RSM) based on the Box–Behnken design (BBD) technique. The optimal treatment condition for disinfection of PCC with SAEW treatment comprised 22.17 ppm of free available chlorine in the SAEW and an exposure time of 180 s at 10 °C. The optimized SAEW treatment was verified experimentally on fresh cabbage with an observed reduction value of 5.94 ± 0.07 log10 CFU/g, which was similar to the predicted reduction value (6.21 log10 CFU/mL) in the suspension test. Taken together, these results indicate that SAEW can efficiently inactivate PCC cells in fresh cut cabbage. Moreover, the response surface quadratic polynomial equation is applicable for predicting the effect of SAEW treatments on PCC contamination in fresh cabbage production, processing, and distribution.

Growth, yield, and postharvest quality of cabbage (Brassica oleracea L.) in response to different levels of nitrogen fertilizer

In the Philippines, vegetable farmers generally apply excessive amounts of fertilizer to maximize yield while not understanding the cost impacts and environmental effects. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different rates of nitrogen fertilizer on the productivity of two cabbage cultivars. The experiment was conducted as a factorial using a randomized complete block design in two growing seasons. The two factors included level of nitrogen (21, 141, 191, 241, 291, 341 and 391 kg N ha-1) and cultivar ('Resist Crown' and 'KEX-734') with each treatment combination replicated four times. The study showed that application of 291 kg N ha-1 resulted in the highest dry matter, largest heads (polar and equatorial) and highest average yield (35.49 t ha-1) in the two growing seasons. At 391 kg N ha-1, cabbage yielded the highest number of leaves and leaf count increased concomitantly with increasing N application rate. Results further showed that N application at the highest rate (391 kg N ha-1) resulted in the highest postharvest weight loss (33.7%) and shrivelling of cabbage heads. The cultivar 'Resist Crown' produced a greater number of leaves, largest polar head size and consequently highest mean yield (25.7 t ha-1) than cultivar 'KEX-734' in both cropping seasons. The results indicate that an application rate of about 291 kg N ha-1 is recommended for cabbage production since it increases yield through enhancing the size and weight of the cabbage head. 'Resist Crown' was a better cultivar than 'KEX734' having greater yield and postharvest quality. © 2021 International Society for Horticultural Science. All rights reserved.

KELAYAKAN USAHA TANI PEMBIBITAN KUBIS DI DESA BELUNG KECAMATAN PONCOKUSUMO KABUPATEN MALANG

East Java is one of the largest cabbage producers in Indonesia. This can be seen from the increase in cabbage production in the East Java area from 2018 with production of 217,507 tons and 225,819 in 2019. The largest cabbage producing centers in East Java are Probolinggo, Malang and Kotatif Batu Regencies. Before being planted in the field, cabbage plants need a nursery first. The length of time for the nursery starting from preparation until the seeds are ready for planting is approximately 1 month. Because of the length of time for seeding and for labor efficiency, farmers usually prefer to buy ready-made seeds from nurseries. Due to the high demand for cabbage seeds, many farmers are doing nursery business. The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of cabbage seed farming in Belung Village, Poncokusumo District, Malang Regency. The research was conducted from August to December 2019. The number of respondents was 32 people who were determined using the census method. 43,969,338,- per hectare per year or Rp. 3,664,111,- per hectare per month. Cabbage seed farming is feasible as indicated by the B/C ratio value of 1.73. While the value of the R/C ratio is 2.73, which indicates that if one unit of cost is added, the cabbage seed farm will get an additional profit of Rp. 2.73,-.

Gene co-expression network analysis reveals key pathways and hub genes in Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa L.) during vernalization

BackgroundVernalization is a type of low temperature stress used to promote rapid bolting and flowering in plants. Although rapid bolting and flowering promote the reproduction of Chinese cabbages (Brassica rapa L. ssp. pekinensis), this process causes their commercial value to decline. Clarifying the mechanisms of vernalization is essential for its further application. We performed RNA sequencing of gradient-vernalization in order to explore the reasons for the different bolting process of two Chinese cabbage accessions during vernalization.ResultsThere was considerable variation in gene expression between different-bolting Chinese cabbage accessions during vernalization. Comparative transcriptome analysis and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) were performed for different-bolting Chinese cabbage during different vernalization periods. The biological function analysis and hub gene annotation of highly relevant modules revealed that shoot system morphogenesis and polysaccharide and sugar metabolism caused early-bolting ‘XBJ’ to bolt and flower faster; chitin, ABA and ethylene-activated signaling pathways were enriched in late-bolting ‘JWW’; and leaf senescence and carbohydrate metabolism enrichment were found in the two Chinese cabbage-related modules, indicating that these pathways may be related to bolting and flowering. The high connectivity of hub genes regulated vernalization, including MTHFR2, CPRD49, AAP8, endoglucanase 10, BXLs, GATLs, and WRKYs. Additionally, five genes related to flower development, BBX32 (binds to the FT promoter), SUS1 (increases FT expression), TSF (the closest homologue of FT), PAO and NAC029 (plays a role in leaf senescence), were expressed in the two Chinese cabbage accessions.ConclusionThe present work provides a comprehensive overview of vernalization-related gene networks in two different-bolting Chinese cabbages during vernalization. In addition, the candidate pathways and hub genes related to vernalization identified here will serve as a reference for breeders in the regulation of Chinese cabbage production.

Performance of vermicompost in zinc and boron nutrition for quality production of cabbage

The quality and efficacy of vermicompost are greatly influenced by the respective feeding materials as well as earthworm species used in vermicomposting. Consequently, the variable role of applied vermicompost is reflected in crop production. With a view to observe the efficacy of vermicompost produced from various sources in supplementing zinc and boron requirement for quality production of cabbage, a field study was conducted in Floodplain soil of Bangladesh. Six treatment combinations comprising of vermicompost from different sources, and different levels of zinc and boron from mineral fertilizers were tested in the study. The vermicompost used in different treatments were produced from different combinations of feeding materials (cowdung and poultry litter) and earthworm species (Eisenia fetida and Eudrilus eugeniae). A control treatment having no supplement of Zn and B was tested in the study. Higher measurements were recorded for most of the parameters studied, i.e., head diameter, marketable yield and total yield in the vermicompost treated plots than the solely mineral fertilizer treated plot. Except for P, the highest uptake of each of the elements by cabbage was observed due to the application of T3 treatment (VC-ECD @2.0 t ha-1 + 1.5 kg Zn ha-1 + 1.0 kg B ha-1). The findings of this research work indicate the additional benefit of using vermicompost over the mineral fertilizer in supplying zinc and boron for better production of cabbage.

Technical Efficiency of Cabbage Farming (Brassica oleracea) With Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA) Approach in Purwodadi - Pasuruan

This study was aimed to analyze the factors affecting the cabbage production, the level of technical efficiency of cabbage farming, the factors affecting technical inefficiency, and the profits of cabbage farming. The location was determined purposively on the basis that it is the center of vegetable cultivation. The respondents were 67 farmers chosen using the Yamane formula sampling technique. This research used frontier software 4.1 data analysis method with Maximum Likelihood Estimation (MLE) approach and Tobit regression. The results showed that land, labor, seeds, organic fertilizers, urea fertilizers, za fertilizers and npk fertilizers were real influential factors. Meanwhile, pesticides were insignificantly influenced. The mean technical efficiency in the research site was 0.903 for the distribution of technical efficiency, so that the cabbage production was rated as high efficiency. Age, education and credit access dummy contributed a major impact on technological inefficiency. The income from cabbage farming per planting season per hectare was Rp35,524,300 from cash costs and Rp31,051,800 from total costs.

The Effect of Different Soil Amendments on Soil Properties and on the Morphological and Physiological Characteristics of Chinese Cabbage

Excessive fertilization is one of the major challenges in Chinese cabbage production. Although various soil ameliorants have been widely applied in agricultural production, their underlying mechanisms of action remain unknown. Five fertilization treatments were tested under field conditions, including chemical fertilization (CK) and reduced chemical fertilization applied in combination with biochar (T1), microbial agents (T2), organic fertilizer (T3) and silicon-calcium-magnesium-potassium (SiCaMgK) fertilizer (T4). The growth, yield, root properties and physiological quality of two varieties of Chinese cabbage and their rhizosphere soil properties were measured to determine the effect of each amendment. Although biochar and other amendments had no significant impact on cabbage yield, the physiological analyses revealed that compared with CK, biochar application enhanced the vitamin c (VC) contents and soil urease and invertase activities by 25.34%–49.58%, 3.75%–10.08%, 42.71%–103.19% and respectively, in the two varieties of Chinese cabbage. Compared with CK, organic fertilizer application significantly increased peroxidase (POD) activity and soluble sugar and soluble protein accumulation and decreased the malondialdehyde (MDA) content in the two varieties of Chinese cabbage. The yield of Chinese cabbage was affected mainly by soil urease activity, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and MDA content. The VC content may have been regulated by the soil invertase activity and the root morphological parameters of the plants. We conclude that biochar and organic fertilizer can improve root development and soil urease, invertase and SOD activities and decrease MDA content, which are factors related to cabbage yield and quality.

Cabbage Production in West Africa and IPM with a Focus on Plant-Based Extracts and a Complementary Worldwide Vision.

In urban and peri-urban areas in West Africa, the cabbage Brassica oleracea L. (Brassicaceae) is protected using repeated high doses of synthetic insecticides. After a brief description of available IPM components, this paper presents a literature review focused on the botanical extracts that have been experimented with at the laboratory or in the field in West Africa against major cabbage pests. The literature reviewed mentions 19 plant species from 12 families used for cabbage protection in the subregion. The species most used are Azadirachta indica, Capsicum frutescens, Ocimum gratissimum and Ricinus communis. An overview of the world literature showed that a total of 13 plant species belonging to 8 families used to control cabbage pests are reported from the rest of Africa, and 140 plant species belonging to 43 families from the rest of the world. The most commonly used and tested plant species against insect pests in the three geographical areas considered is A. indica.