Indian mustard(Brassica juncea(L.) Czern.) was found to be a preferred host for oviposition by diamondback moth,Plutella xylostella(Linnaeus) and leafwebber,Crocidolomia binotalisZeller as compared to cabbage(Brassica oleraceavar.capitataL.) in laboratory studies. Three field trials with different planting patterns of both cabbage and mustard were conducted to investigate whether mustard could act as a trap crop. Results revealed that cabbage grown alone supported significantly higher larval populations of both the pests as compared to mustard intercropped cabbages, and resulted in loss of marketability. It was also inferred that a planting pattern of 15 rows cabbage followed by mustard rows was found to be the most promising for successful management of both pests. Mustard was sprayed with 0.1% dichlorvos at 10‐day intervals commencing from 12 days after sowing to control insects that colonized it. Results also indicated that intercropped cabbages could be successfully raised during the rainy season without insecticidal application, while two sprays with 0.05% cartap hydrochloride was necessary during winter.