PlantLegitCompanion planting guide › Collards as a trap crop for diamondback moth in cabbage
Collards as a trap crop for diamondback moth in cabbage: does it work?
Sources (0)
Promising Some peer-reviewed or extension evidence, but limited, conditional or mixed.
Collards planted around cabbage attracted diamondback moth and cut spraying, in Florida trials.
Mechanism
Trap crop: moths prefer to lay eggs on collards.
What the research found
- In 1997–98 northeast Florida trials, cabbage fully surrounded by collards stayed below the action threshold while collards often exceeded it (Mitchell et al. 2000).
- Trap-crop growers used about 56% fewer sprays (USDA-ARS record).
Caveats
Gaps in the collard border let cabbage become infested. Evidence from one region and a few seasons.
How to try it
Fully surround cabbage with collard rows planted earlier so they are larger and attractive.
Other Promising pairings (4)
- French marigold as a cover crop for root-knot nematodes
- White clover living mulch under cabbage and other brassicas
- Carrots and onions against carrot fly
- Flowering buckwheat as an insectary strip
Evidence summary checked 2026-10-14. We cite only peer-reviewed studies, university extension and USDA/ARS sources; results may differ in your region. Not professional advice.