ABSTRACT
This study was conducted to assess the potential of pest repellent plant (PRP) species for managing insect pests in Chinese
kale (Brassica oleracea L.) in order to reduce the use of pesticides and to improve the quality of the product. Seven PRP
species (viz. Angelonia, tomato, hot pepper, coriander, citronella grass, sweet basil & sacred basil) were assessed together with
a control treatment (without PRP). The results showed that Chinese kale associated with sacred basil had the lowest number of
both flea beetle (Phyllotreta sinuata Steph.) and cabbage webworm [Hellula undalis (Fabricius)], while citronella grass had
the lowest number of common cutworm [Spodoptera litura (Fabricius)]. Furthermore, the lowest % pest damage and the
highest quality of yield were in plots associated with sacred basil. The study discloses the potential of integrating specific pest
repellent plants in intercropping to reduce populations of specific insect pests and % pest damage and to increase the quality
and marketable yield of Chinese kale.