Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus L.) urine as a biopesticide against lepidopterous pests of green cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.)

This study investigates the efficacy of rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus L.) urine as a natural biopesticide and growth stimulant for green cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.) to provide a sustainable alternative to synthetic agrochemicals. Seedlings were transplanted at approximately 25 d of age and treatments with varying concentrations of rabbit urine (25, 50 and 75% v/v) were applied weekly starting 15 d after transplanting (DAT). Physicochemical analysis revealed that the urine was alkaline (pH 8.2), with high ammonia content, elevated total dissolved solids (5786.5±85.4 ppm) and high electrical conductivity (10 704.3±120.6 μS/cm), suggesting potent pest-deterrent and nutrient-delivery properties. Results indicated that the 75% concentration significantly reduced pest severity by approximately 75% and suppressed lepidopterous pest populations by up to 83.3% compared to untreated controls. Leaf damage was markedly reduced (1.0±0.1 vs. 4.0±0.2 in controls). Furthermore, the 75% treatment enhanced crop productivity, increasing marketable yield to 97.8% (vs. 75.0% in controls) and improving the harvest index from 0.60 to 0.75. These findings suggest that rabbit urine can be integrated into sustainable pest management strategies, offering a low-cost, eco-friendly solution that could benefit smallholder farmers. Future research should explore the mechanisms behind pest suppression, long-term effects on soil health and optimal application protocols to facilitate wider adoption.