Genetic divergence between cabbage commercial cultivars as to cabbage aphid preference

The objective of this work was to evaluate the genetic divergence between cabbage cultivars, concerning the feeding preference of cabbage aphid (Brevicoryne brassicae). The experiment was carried out with 27 cultivars, in greenhouse, where the aphid preference was determined in assays with or without choice. A randomized block design was used with 27 treatments and five replicates. Mahalanobis' generalized distances were estimated and the cultivars were grouped by Tocher's method with seven groups formed. 'Chato de Quintal', 'Ryuho', and 'Taishita' were the less preferred cultivars by the aphid. The maximum distance was observed between the cultivars Das 4 Estacoes and Suki, the minimal distance occurred between 'Chato de Quintal' and 'Astrus Plus'. The number of nymphs is the variable that allows the highest differentiation between cultivars. There is variability between cabbage commercial cultivars as to aphid feeding preference.