# Constraints to cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.) production in peri-urban area of Saharsa district in Bihar

Ajeet Kumar, Ashwini Choudhary

► To cite this version:

Ajeet Kumar, Ashwini Choudhary. Constraints to cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.) production in peri-urban area of Saharsa district in Bihar. AN ASIAN JOURNAL OF SOIL SCIENCE, 2016, 11 (2), pp.297-306. 10.15740/HAS/AJSS/11.2/297-306. hal-04676725

HAL Id: hal-04676725

https://hal.science/hal-04676725v1

Submitted on 3 Sep 2024

HAL is a multi-disciplinary open access
archive for the deposit and dissemination of sci-
entific research documents, whether they are pub-
lished or not. The documents may come from
teaching and research institutions in France or
abroad, or from public or private research centers.

L'archive ouverte pluridisciplinaire HAL, est
destinée au dépôt et à la diffusion de documents
scientifiques de niveau recherche, publiés ou non,
émanant des établissements d'enseignement et de
recherche français ou étrangers, des laboratoires
publics ou privés.

<figure><img src="image_1.png" /></figure>

Distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License
Research Article

DOI: 10.15740/HAS/AJSS/11.2/297-306

# Constraints to cabbage (*Brassica oleracea* var. *capitata* L.) production in peri-urban area of Saharsa district in Bihar

■ AJEET KUMAR AND ASHWINI CHOUDHARY

Received : 08.09.2016; Revised : 22.10.2016; Accepted : 17.11.2016

MEMBERS OF RESEARCH FORUM:

**Corresponding author :**
AJEET KUMAR, Regional Research
Station, Madhopur, WEST
CHAMPARAN (BIHAR) INDIA
Email: ajeetrau@gmail.com

Co-authors :
ASHWINI CHOUDHARY,
Department of Agricultural
Economics, Mandan Bharti
Agriculture College, AGWANPUR
SAHARSA (BIHAR) INDIA

## Summary

Vegetables are the integral part of the balanced diet of human since time immemorial. Globally, the role of vegetables has been recognized in solving the problem of food and nutritional security. A survey conducted to assemble baseline information on farming practices to cabbage production in peri-urban area of Saharsa district. Structured questionnaires used to elicit information from cabbage farmers, where cabbage is intensively produced. The level of education among the growers was low as only 6.67 per cent had secondary education. Majority of the growers (68%) did not own the lands, thus, resulting in approximately 65 per cent of them cultivating less than one acre of cabbage. Majority of cabbage farmers (61.67%) planted cabbage on raised beds. Cabbage production was characterized by high use of inorganic fertilizer (NPK). Seventy-three per cent farmers employed the watering cans in cabbage production. Farmers in their quest to mitigate the high insect pest infestation and problems such as wilting of plants, leaf curl and leaf spots resorted to high frequency of pesticides application. The information gathered from this study would form the basis for the formulation of an integrated pest management (IPM) as well as integrated nutrient management (INM) strategy to enhance environmentally sustainable production of cabbages. This would reduce environmental degradation and ensure maximum protection for human well being.

**Key words:** Constraints, Cabbage, pests, IPM

**How to cite this article :** Kumar, Ajeet and Choudhary, Ashwini (2016). Constraints to cabbage (*Brassica oleracea* var. *capitata* L.) production in peri-urban area of Saharsa district in Bihar. *Asian J. Soil Sci.*, **11** (2) : 297-306 : DOI : 10.15740/HAS/AJSS/11.2/297-306.

## Introduction

Vegetables are an important component of a healthy diet in the world (Obuobie *et al.*, 2006). Vegetables have been hailed for their nutritional and non-nutrient bioactive ingredients (Smith and Eyzaguirre, 2007). If consumed daily in sufficient amounts, they would help to prevent major diseases such as cardio-vascular diseases and certain cancers. The low intake of fruit and vegetables

is responsible for about 31 per cent of ischaemic heart diseases and 11 per cent of strokes (WHO, 2002). Each year, over 2.7 million lives would be saved if fruit and vegetables consumption are sufficiently increased. It has been recommended that a minimum of 400 g of fruit and vegetables should be consumed/day/individual (FAO/WHO, 2003).

Cabbage (*Brassica oleracea* var. *capitata* L.) is a popular vegetable grown by peri-urban dwellers in
Saharsa district of Bihar. However, the production of cabbage is confronted with numerous constraints. These include high cost of inputs such as pesticides and fertilizers and attack by pests and diseases. Caterpillars of the Diamond back moth (Plutella xylostella), the cabbage web worm (Hellula undalis) and cabbage aphids (Brevicoryne brassicae) are the most serious pests of cabbage in this region causing percentage leaf

damage between 18 and 31 per cent. Pest infestation normally leads to reduction in market value. Plant parasitic nematodes have also been implicated to constraint cabbage production (Waceke, 2007). Farmers have been applying various synthetic pesticides to reduce damage caused by these pests. These pesticides have been reported to cause toxicological and environmental problems as well as the development of resistant strains

<table><caption>Table A : Villages name</caption><thead><tr><td>Sr. No.</td><td>Block name</td><td>Villages name</td></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1.</td><td>Banma itahri</td><td>Ghordaur, Sugma, Rasalpur, Sahuriya</td></tr><tr><td>2.</td><td>Kahra</td><td>Tiwaritola, Rahua, Rahuamani, Bariyahi</td></tr><tr><td>3.</td><td>Mahishi</td><td>Rajanpur, Mahpura, Mauna, Mahpura, Telhar</td></tr><tr><td>4.</td><td>Nauhatta</td><td>Walva, Chandrayan-ekar, Nauhattagaon, Muradpur</td></tr><tr><td>5.</td><td>Patarghat</td><td>Chinahi jamhra, Bisanpur, Pahaarpur, Pama</td></tr><tr><td>6.</td><td>Salkhua</td><td>Tengraha, Utesara, Bahorwa, Mubarakpur</td></tr><tr><td>7.</td><td>Sattar katiya</td><td>Rohua, Gobergarha, Panchgachhiya, Tuniahi</td></tr><tr><td>8.</td><td>Saur bazar</td><td>Padampura, Silet, Gamhariya, Sapaha</td></tr><tr><td>9.</td><td>Simri bakhtiyarpur</td><td>Hussainchak, Khamauti, Sitanabaad, Turki</td></tr><tr><td>10.</td><td>Sonbarsa</td><td>Sahpur, Manguwar, Barsam, Sarauni</td></tr></tbody></table>

<figure><img src="image_2.png" /><figcaption>Fig. A : Location map of Saharsa district</figcaption></figure>
of pests (Ninsin, 1997). The improper use of pesticides is an issue of much concern. It has been estimated by the world health organization (WHO) that about 20,000 people die each year from pesticide poisoning and at least 3 million people suffer acute health effects (Barbara, 1993). Pesticide residue in food items have been a concern to consumer groups. Most pesticides especially, organo-chlorines are resistant to microbial degradation. They can, therefore, accumulate in human body fats and the environment posing problems to human health (Ejobi et al., 1996). Pesticides are considered to be indispensable for the control of pests and diseases and hence the production of adequate food supply for an increasing population. However, some of them contain dangerous constituents known to be endocrine disrupting compounds (Kluive, 1981). Over the decades there have been growing issues of concerns related to health, environmental quality and food safety. There is a general belief that diets with greater proportions of vegetables and fruits can prevent or delay a number of life threatening diseases. Unfortunately, the consumption of cabbage is being discouraged by the public due to possible health risk associated with pesticide residues. The need to explore more options under non-pesticide management of crops is becoming popular among vegetable growers, since they endeavour to keep the management of pests and cost of cultivation to a minimum. This study was aimed at investigating farmers' practices and constraints to cabbage production to assist in formulating integrated pest management (IPM) strategies and the unsafe use of agro-chemicals in three selected communities of ten blocks of Saharsa districts in Bihar. The four villages from each block were selected thus total forty villages were selected which is given in Table A and Fig. A.

## Resource and Research Methods

The questionnaires were designed to collect information from cabbage farmers in Saharsa district on production practices and constraints. The Saharsa district lies between 25.88° N latitude and 86.6° E longitude. The total geographical area is 1661.30 sq. km. the climate of the district is warm humid with rain fall of 1450 mm which is suitable for good cultivation of vegetables. Visits were made to all block of Saharsa, by the several scientists of different discipline like, soil scientist, Economist, Agronomist and plant pathologist in the major cabbage growing area of Saharsa. The farmers were contacted to identify the important communities that

produce cabbage. Three cabbage producing communities (viz., Mushhar, Dhangar and Pasi) were selected. Twenty farmers were randomly sampled from each community and the questionnaires were administered accordingly. Basically, the questionnaires dealt with the demographic characteristics of respondents, cabbage production systems in the study areas, varieties grown, sources of seeds, pests and diseases encountered, pesticides usage and other management practices.

## Research Findings and Discussion

The results obtained from the present investigation as well as relevant discussion have been summarized under following heads :

### Demographic and sociological characteristics :

The demographic characteristics of the respondents are presented in Table 1. A total of 60 farmers were involved in the study. Out of this, 43 farmers representing approximately 71.67 per cent were males whilst 17 farmers (28.33%) were females. The educational levels of respondents were low. Twenty per cent had no formal education with 30 per cent having primary education, 43.33 per cent have middle and 6.67 per cent have secondary education. The low level of education amongst respondents probably explains the indiscriminate use of pesticides by farmers due to unawareness of chemicals effect on humans and environment. Extremely low level of education has been reported to affect the level of

<table><caption>Table 1 : Demographic and sociological characteristics of farmers in the study area</caption><thead><tr><th>Variables</th><th>Frequency</th><th>Percentage</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Sex</strong></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Male</td><td>43</td><td>71.67</td></tr><tr><td>Female</td><td>17</td><td>28.33</td></tr><tr><td>Total</td><td>60</td><td>100.00</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Level of educational</strong></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>No formal education</td><td>12</td><td>20.0</td></tr><tr><td>Primary</td><td>18</td><td>30.0</td></tr><tr><td>Middle</td><td>26</td><td>43.33</td></tr><tr><td>Secondary</td><td>4</td><td>6.67</td></tr><tr><td>Total</td><td>60</td><td>100.00</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Farming experience</strong></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>3-5 years</td><td>37</td><td>61.67</td></tr><tr><td>5-10 years</td><td>23</td><td>38.33</td></tr><tr><td>Total</td><td>60</td><td>100.00</td></tr></tbody></table>
technology adoption and skills acquisition amongst farmers (Oyekale and Idjesa, 2009). Approximately 61.67 per cent had been farming from 3 to 5 years, while 38.33 per cent have been cultivating cabbage from last 5 to 10 years.

## Farm characteristics :

The farm characteristics of cabbage grower are presented in Table 2. Size of holdings, land ownership and number of times cabbage is cultivated in a year are given prominence. Generally, farmers covered in the survey are small scale farmers. Only 6 farmers representing 10 per cent had more than two (2) acres of cabbage crop. The 65 per cent had less than one acre of crop. The small farm sizes could be the result of the fact that approximately 68 per cent did not own the land they used for cabbage cultivation. Majority of respondents, about 88 per cent cropped cabbage twice a year, while 11.6 per cent cultivate once within a year. Factors such as availability of water, income, market demand and low pest pressure influenced the annual frequency of cultivation.

## Varieties and source of seeds :

It became evident from the survey that two improved varieties of cabbage, green globe and M.H.C.B.600 were cultivated by farmers. Green globe was the most preferred variety with 88 per cent of respondents cultivating it (Fig. 1). The preference of green globe over MHCB 600 was based on better performance, particularly desirable head size of the variety. Improved varieties can potentially strengthen

<figure><img src="image_3.png" /><figcaption>Fig. 1: Improved varieties of cabbage cultivated by farmers of Koshi Zone-II</figcaption></figure>

farmers' cropping systems by increasing yields, improving drought resilience, boosting resistance to pests and diseases and also by capturing new market opportunities

<figure><img src="image_4.png" /><figcaption>Fig. 2: Different sources of seed from where farmers obtained their seeds</figcaption></figure>

<table><caption>Table 2: Different farm characteristics of Saharsa district of Bihar</caption><thead><tr><th>Variables</th><th>Frequency</th><th>Percentage</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Farm size</strong></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Less than 1 acre</td><td>39</td><td>65.0</td></tr><tr><td>1-2 acres</td><td>15</td><td>25.0</td></tr><tr><td>More than 2 acres</td><td>6</td><td>10</td></tr><tr><td>Total</td><td>60</td><td>100.00</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Land ownership</strong></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Yes</td><td>19</td><td>31.67</td></tr><tr><td>No</td><td>41</td><td>68.33</td></tr><tr><td>Total</td><td>60</td><td>100.00</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Frequency of cabbage cultivation</strong></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Once a year</td><td>7</td><td>11.67</td></tr><tr><td>Twice a year</td><td>53</td><td>88.33</td></tr><tr><td>Total</td><td>60</td><td>100.00</td></tr></tbody></table>
(Quezada *et al.*, 2011). Significantly large number, 85 per cent of the farmers obtained their seed supplies from credible sources like Krishi Sewa Kendra (Agro input dealers), 11 per cent from near by Agricultural Universities (viz., Bihar Agricultural University and Rajendra Agricultural University) and 4 per cent Regional Research Station (Fig. 2). Obtaining improved seed from credible source is an incentive for increased production.

**Seed bed preparation methods :**

Three seed bed preparation methods were employed by the farmers. The three methods were; planting on the flat, on raised beds and on ridges. Majority of farmers, approximately 62 per cent planted cabbage on raised beds whilst 18 per cent planted on ridges with the remaining 20 per cent planting on the flat. Seed bed preparation is an important factor influencing crop production. Cabbage grown on raised bed is known to perform better than on the flat because of enhanced water and nutrients utilization by the plants on the former

than on the latter seed bed preparation method.

**Nursery practices :**

Major nursery operations as methods of soil sterilization, sowing seed on the nursery bed, post-emergence practices and period of stay of seedlings on nursery beds differed among them (Table 3). Sterilization was done to control soil nematodes and other pathogenic organisms and weed seeds on the nursery bed. The most popular soil sterilization method of burning slashed weeds before seed bed preparation was employed by 45 per cent respondents while digging up soil and exposing to the sun (15%) was the least employed. Sixty-five per cent broadcast the seeds for sowing at the nursery whereas dibbling (35%) was least preferred. Significant post emergence operations were; raising of sheds over seedlings to protect seedlings from direct sun (38.33%), hand picking of weeds (35%), covering of seedlings with net to prevent insect damage (5%), thinning out of seedling to prevent etiolation (3.33%) and applying

<table><caption>Table 3: Nursery practices adopted by farmers of Saharsa district</caption><thead><tr><th>Variables</th><th>Frequency</th><th>Percentage</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Seed bed preparation methods</strong></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>On the flat</td><td>12</td><td>20</td></tr><tr><td>On raised beds</td><td>37</td><td>61.67</td></tr><tr><td>On ridges</td><td>11</td><td>18.33</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Soil sterilization method</strong></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Dig up soil and expose to sun</td><td>9</td><td>15.0</td></tr><tr><td>Burning slashed weeds</td><td>27</td><td>45.0</td></tr><tr><td>Dig up soil, watering and cover with layer of mulch</td><td>16</td><td>26.67</td></tr><tr><td>No treatment before sowing seed</td><td>8</td><td>13.33</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Propagation method in the nursery</strong></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Broadcasting</td><td>39</td><td>65</td></tr><tr><td>Dibbling</td><td>21</td><td>35</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Post-emergence practices in the nursery</strong></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Raise shed over seedlings</td><td>23</td><td>38.33</td></tr><tr><td>Hand picking of weeds</td><td>21</td><td>35</td></tr><tr><td>Cover bed with net for pests control</td><td>3</td><td>5</td></tr><tr><td>Thinning out of seedlings</td><td>2</td><td>3.33</td></tr><tr><td>Application of pesticides</td><td>8</td><td>13.33</td></tr><tr><td>All the above</td><td>3</td><td>5</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Duration of seedling in the nursery</strong></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Three weeks</td><td>29</td><td>48.33</td></tr><tr><td>Four weeks</td><td>27</td><td>45</td></tr><tr><td>Five weeks</td><td>4</td><td>6.67</td></tr><tr><td>Total</td><td>60</td><td>100.00</td></tr></tbody></table>
pesticides to protect seedlings from pest damage (13.33%). Farmers transplanted seedlings at different stages of growth; 48.33 per cent transplanted at 3 weeks of age, 45 per cent at 4 weeks and 6.67 per cent at 5 weeks. Staggering planting times, has the benefit of cabbage availability in the markets for longer duration.

## Fertilizer usage, type and frequency of fertilizer application :

Table 4 provides an idea about the use, type and frequency of fertilizer application in cabbage production. In vegetable production, fertilizer frequencies are used by the farmers with the intention of enhancing production potential. Majority of farmers, 95 per cent used fertilizer to boost cabbage production. Inorganic fertilizer was used

by about 53 per cent of the farmers while a meager 8.33 per cent used organic sources of fertilizer. Frequency of fertilizer application was based on farmers' knowledge about the importance of the input to crop being cultivated and also on the financial strength of individuals. As such 53.35 per cent apply fertilizer two times and 13 per cent apply once before harvesting. The majority of farmers who apply fertilizer two times stand a better chance of increasing their production levels compared with those who apply fertilizer once. While few farmers had applied fertilizer more than twice, their response is comparatively less because of short duration of crop.

## Water requirements for cabbage production :

Table 5 presents the watering regime as practiced

<table><caption>Table 4: Fertilizer usage, type and frequency of fertilizer application adopted by farmers</caption><thead><tr><th>Variables</th><th>Frequency</th><th>Percentage</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Fertilizer application</strong></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Yes</td><td>57</td><td>95</td></tr><tr><td>No</td><td>3</td><td>5.0</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Type of fertilizer used</strong></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Organic</td><td>5</td><td>8.33</td></tr><tr><td>Inorganic</td><td>32</td><td>53.33</td></tr><tr><td>Both</td><td>23</td><td>38.33</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Frequency of fertilizer application</strong></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Once</td><td>8</td><td>13.33</td></tr><tr><td>Twice</td><td>32</td><td>53.35</td></tr><tr><td>More than twice</td><td>20</td><td>33.33</td></tr><tr><td>Total</td><td>60</td><td>100.00</td></tr></tbody></table>

<table><caption>Table 5: Irrigation systems and frequency of application adopted by farmers</caption><thead><tr><th>Variables</th><th>Frequency</th><th>Percentage</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Watering during growth phase</strong></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Yes</td><td>51</td><td>85</td></tr><tr><td>No</td><td>9</td><td>15</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Type of irrigation system</strong></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Watering cans</td><td>44</td><td>73.33</td></tr><tr><td>Furrow</td><td>12</td><td>20.0</td></tr><tr><td>Other</td><td>4</td><td>6.67</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Watering frequency during dry season</strong></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Once daily</td><td>24</td><td>40.0</td></tr><tr><td>Twice daily</td><td>16</td><td>26.67</td></tr><tr><td>Thrice daily</td><td>6</td><td>10.0</td></tr><tr><td>Once weekly</td><td>5</td><td>8.33</td></tr><tr><td>Thrice weekly</td><td>9</td><td>15</td></tr><tr><td>Total</td><td>60</td><td>100.00</td></tr></tbody></table>
by farmers and the type of irrigation system employed. Different watering regimes were encountered. Cabbage production requires water management particularly in the dry season. Shortage of water leads to drought with obvious agricultural and societal impacts (Morrison *et al.*, 2007). Inability to supply sufficient water during the dry season would result in total crop failure. This spanned

from once daily in the dry season to thrice weekly. Farmers employed inefficient irrigation system; the use of watering cans in cabbage production. The use of watering cans to supply the water needs of cabbage crop was more popular (73.33%) relative to the use of furrow irrigation (20%). Sprinkler irrigation is more efficient watering regime than watering cans. However, lack of

<table><caption>Table 6 : Weed management on cabbage farms adopted by the farmers</caption><thead><tr><th>Variables</th><th>Frequency</th><th>Percentage</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Weed control method employed</strong></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Handpicking</td><td>17</td><td>28.33</td></tr><tr><td>Hoeing/ use of hand fork</td><td>37</td><td>61.66</td></tr><tr><td>Application of chemicals</td><td>6</td><td>10.0</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Weed control frequency</strong></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Once</td><td>4</td><td>6.66</td></tr><tr><td>Twice</td><td>18</td><td>30.0</td></tr><tr><td>Thrice</td><td>19</td><td>31.66</td></tr><tr><td>Four times</td><td>8</td><td>13.33</td></tr><tr><td>More than four times</td><td>11</td><td>18.33</td></tr><tr><td>Total</td><td>60</td><td>100.00</td></tr></tbody></table>

<table><caption>Table 7 : Common pests found in nurseries and cabbage fields and their management</caption><thead><tr><th>Variables</th><th>Frequency</th><th>Percentage</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Insect pests</strong></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Hellicoverpa armigera</td><td>17</td><td>28.33</td></tr><tr><td>Plutella xylostella (Hirakprist insect)</td><td>10</td><td>16.67</td></tr><tr><td>Brevicoryne brassicae (Mahu)</td><td>13</td><td>21.67</td></tr><tr><td>Spodoptera litura</td><td>8</td><td>13.33</td></tr><tr><td>White flies</td><td>11</td><td>18.33</td></tr><tr><td>Sucking bugs</td><td>1</td><td>1.67</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Insect management</strong></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Hand picking and destruction</td><td>2</td><td>3.33</td></tr><tr><td>Pesticides application</td><td>55</td><td>91.67</td></tr><tr><td>Rotation of crops</td><td>2</td><td>3.33</td></tr><tr><td>Intercropping with repellent crops</td><td>1</td><td>1.67</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Pesticides used</strong></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Attack</td><td>38</td><td>63.33</td></tr><tr><td>Combat</td><td>12</td><td>20.0</td></tr><tr><td>Ridomil</td><td>6</td><td>10.0</td></tr><tr><td>Neem seed extract</td><td>4</td><td>6.67</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Frequency of application</strong></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Twice</td><td>4</td><td>6.67</td></tr><tr><td>Thrice</td><td>5</td><td>8.33</td></tr><tr><td>Four times</td><td>12</td><td>20.0</td></tr><tr><td>More than four times</td><td>39</td><td>65.0</td></tr><tr><td>Total</td><td>60</td><td>100.00</td></tr></tbody></table>
adequate finances has compared majority of the farmers to use watering cans resulting in lower production.

### Weed management on cabbage farms :

Various weed species were encountered in cabbage field but the most prominent were: Elephant grass (*Pennisetum purpureum*), butterfly pea (*Centrosema pubescens*) and common purslane (*Portulaca* spp). Noxious weeds infestation has been reported to reduce yield of crops (Awodoyin *et al.*, 2007) and effective management of weeds is pre-requisite to minimize interference as well as other pest infestation through the weeds for higher yields. Three methods of weed management were employed; hand picking, use of garden

tools (as hoes, hand fork) and application of herbicides (Table 6). As many as 61.67 per cent used garden tools to manage weed growth whilst as low as 10 per cent used herbicides. Depending on cropping history of the land used for cabbage production, more than thrice weeding could be done before harvest. The highest frequency of weeding (31.67 %) was thrice before harvesting of crop. Farmers took weed management seriously which was insurance for higher yields.

### Pest pressure and management :

Table 7 indicates insect pests associated with cabbage production at the nursery and on the field. Insect pests could be managed tactfully otherwise result in total

<table><caption>Table 8 : Farmers' awareness regarding nematodes problems</caption><thead><tr><th>Variables</th><th>Frequency</th><th>Percentage</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Awareness of pest</strong></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Yes</td><td>13</td><td>21.67</td></tr><tr><td>No</td><td>47</td><td>78.33</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Nematode control</strong></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Use of synthetic nematicides</td><td>8</td><td>13.33</td></tr><tr><td>Roughing of infected plants</td><td>4</td><td>6.67</td></tr><tr><td>No control</td><td>41</td><td>68.33</td></tr><tr><td>Use of neem extracts</td><td>7</td><td>11.67</td></tr><tr><td>Total</td><td>60</td><td>100.00</td></tr></tbody></table>

<table><caption>Table 9 : Diseases of cabbage and their management</caption><thead><tr><th>Variables</th><th>Frequency</th><th>Percentage</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Incidence of diseases on farms</strong></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Yes</td><td>53</td><td>88.33</td></tr><tr><td>No</td><td>7</td><td>11.67</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Prevalent diseases</strong></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Wilting of plants</td><td>25</td><td>41.67</td></tr><tr><td>Leaf curl</td><td>21</td><td>35</td></tr><tr><td>Leaf spot</td><td>14</td><td>23.33</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Diseases management</strong></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Rouging of infected plants</td><td>14</td><td>23.33</td></tr><tr><td>Application of fungicides</td><td>35</td><td>58.33</td></tr><tr><td>Rotation of crops</td><td>11</td><td>18.33</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Adverse effects of synthetic chemicals</strong></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Running stomach</td><td>22</td><td>36.67</td></tr><tr><td>Itching eyes</td><td>14</td><td>23.33</td></tr><tr><td>Running nose</td><td>14</td><td>23.33</td></tr><tr><td>Skin rushes</td><td>6</td><td>10</td></tr><tr><td>Dizziness</td><td>4</td><td>6.67</td></tr><tr><td>Total</td><td>60</td><td>100.00</td></tr></tbody></table>
crop failure. A number of insect pests attract on cabbage
plants at different stages of the plant growth due to their
nutritive and luxuriant nature. The prominent amongst
them were: *Hellicoverpa armigera*, *Plutella xylostella*,
*Brevicoryne brassicae* and *Spodoptera litura*.
Pesticide application was the most popular insect
management strategy with attack and combat as the most
effective products. Majority of the farmers (65%) applied
pesticides more than four times before harvesting of crop.

Awareness of nematode problems on cabbage
fields:

Nematode infestation result in stunting of growth,
yellowing of foliage, galling of the root system and
disruption of the nutrient absorption capacity of plants
leading to reduction of yield (Luc et al., 2005).
Approximately 78 per cent of the farmers don't know
about nematodes. However, only 13 per cent of them
have little bit idea of nematode and they tried to controlled
nematodes on their farms with pesticides. Approximately
12 per cent of farmers who managed nematodes used
bio-pesticides in the form of neem (Azadirachta indica)
seed extracts while the remaining 13.33 per cent used
synthetic nematicides. Approximately 68 per cent of the
farmers did not control nematodes on their farms since
they don't have idea about this pest. The root lesion
nematode, *Pratylenchus penetrans* for instance has the
potential to reduce market yield of cabbage by 19-33
per cent (Olthof and Potter, 1973). In view of the
devastating effect of nematodes on cabbage, general
awareness of this pest is essential to facilitate sustainable
management strategies (Table 8).

**Diseases of cabbage and their management :**

As many as 88 per cent of the farmers complained bitterly about the devastating effects of diseases on cabbage. Farmers identified wilting of plants, curling of leaves and leaf spots as major pathological problems. Rouging of affected plants, application of fungicides and rotation of crops were the major means of managing cabbage diseases (Table 9).

**Conclusion :**

To ensure healthy and high productivity of cabbage,
farmers have to abuse the use of pesticides and fertilizers
which have serious environmental impact. The
disadvantages of improper use of synthetic products
completely outweigh. The information gathered from this

baseline study, form the basis for the formulation and
implementation of IPM and INM module to enhance
environmentally safe and sustainable production of
cabbages. These practices reduce environmental
degradation and ensure maximum protection for humans
well being.

**Acknowledgement :**

The authors express profound gratitude to Dr. Umesh Singh, the Associate Dean cum Principal, Mandan Bharti Agriculture College, Agwanpur, Saharsa, for all kind of support required for the completion of this study.

**Literature Cited**

Awodoyin, R.O., Ogbeide, F.I. and Olufemi, O. (2007). Effect of three mulch types on the growth and yield of tomato and weed suppression in Ibadan, rainforest-savanna zone of Nigeria. *Trop. Agric. Res. Extn.*, **10**:53-60.

Barbara, S. (1993). *The pesticides hazards*. Zeb book Ltd. in Association with Pesticide Trust. pp. 3-5, LONDON, U.S.A.

Ejobi, F., Kanja, L.W., Kyule, M.N., Muller, P., Kruger, J. and Latigo, A.A.R. (1996). Organochlorine pesticide residues in mother's milk in Uganda. *Bull. Environ. Contam. Toxicol.*, **56** 873-880.

FAO/WHO (2003). *Diet, nutrition and the prevention of chronic diseases*. Report of a Joint Expert Consultation. Geneva, World Health Organization, WHO Technical Report Series, No. 916.

Kluive, M.W. (1981). Acute toxicology of 1, 2 dibromo-3 chloropropane in the F344 male rat. Dose response relationships and differences in routes of exposure. *J. Agric. Food Chem.*, **59**: 71-83.

Luc, M., Sikora, R.A. and Bridge, J. (2005). Plant parasitic nematodes in subtropical and tropical agriculture. In: Luc, M., R.A. Sikora and Bridge, J. (Eds). CAB International. 871 pp., WALLINGFORD, UNITED KINGDOM.

Morrison, J.I.L., Baker, N.R., Mullineaux, P.M. and Davies, W.J. (2007). Improving water use in crop production. *Phil. Trans. R. Soc. B.*, **363**: 639–658.

Ninsin, D.K. (1997). Insecticides use pattern and residue levels in cabbage cultivated within the Accra-Tema Metropolitan areas of Ghana. Master of Philosophy Thesis, Insect Science Programme. University of Ghana, Legon. 85pp.

Obuobie, E., Keraita, B., Danso, G., Amoah, P., Cofie, O.O., Raschid-Sally, L. and Drechsel, P. (2006). Irrigated urban vegetable production in Ghana: Characteristics, benefits and
risks IWMI- RUAF-CPWF, Accra, Ghana: IWMI, 150 pp.

**Olthof, T.H.A. and Potter, J.W. (1973).** The relationship between population densities of *Pratylenchus penetrans* and crop losses on summer maturing vegetables in Ontario. *Phytopathology*, **63**: 577-582.

**Oyekale, A.S. and Idjesa, E. (2009).** Adoption of improved maize seed and production efficiency in river state, Nigeria. *Acad. J. Plant Sci.*, **2**:44-50.

**Smith, F.I. and Eyzaguirre, P. (2007).** African leafy vegetables: their role in world health organisation's global fruit and vegetables initiative. *Afr. J. Food Agric. Nutr. Dev.*, **7**:1684-1689.

5374.

**Waceke, J. (2007).** Plant parasitic nematodes associated with cabbages in Kenya. Proceedings of the 8th American Crop Science Society Conerence, 27-31 October 2007, El-Minia, Egypt, pp. 1071-1074.

WHO (2002). The World Health Report, Reducing risks, promoting health. Geneva World Health Organization, 172 pp.

**Webliography**

**Quezada, A., Haggar, J., Torres, J. and Clements, R. (2011).** Crop diversification and new varieties. http://climatetechwiki.org/content/crop diversification.

11<sup>th</sup> Year

***** of Excellence ★★★★