SUSTAINABLE STRATEGIES FOR INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT OF BREVICORYNE BRASSICAE IN CABBAGE CULTURE: ECOLOGICAL APPROACHES AND IMPACT ON BIOLOGICAL CONTROL IN MOZAMBIQUE

Abstract

Cabbage (Brassica oleracea) is a vegetable widely cultivated due to its nutritional and economic value, especially for small farmers. However, kale production faces significant challenges, mainly due to attacks by aphids (Brevicoryne brassicae), a pest that causes wilting and deformations in plants and acts as a virus vector. In regions such as Southern Africa, inadequate control of this pest has resulted in considerable losses in production, reaching 40% in Mozambique.The adult stage of Brevicoryne brassicae is the most damaging, especially affecting the cabbage crop during its vegetative phase, when the plants are most vulnerable. Effective management of this pest involves continuous monitoring and the use of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices, which include cultural, biological and chemical methods. Applying these techniques in an integrated way, adapted to local conditions, can significantly reduce damage and improve agricultural productivity, promoting food security and sustainability for small Mozambican farmers.