The hymenopterous parasitoids of the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), on cruciferous vegetables in Delhi, India

Abstract Background The diamondback moth (DBM), Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), is a serious and economically important pest of crucifers in Delhi, India. Larvae pupae the were collected from cabbage, cauliflower broccoli crops grown vegetable fields at farm ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-IARI), New Delhi-110012, December 2021 to June 2022. larvae transferred laboratory reared for emergence parasitoids’ adults 25 ± 0.5 °C RH 70 5%. Results Four parasitoid species emerged, viz. Apanteles mohandasi Sumodan & Narendran 1990, Cotesia vestalis (Haliday, 1834), Diadegma insulare (Cresson, 1865) Diadromus collaris (Gravenhorst, 1829). Among them, A. , C. D. reported first time whereas (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) recorded here Additionally, record parasitism by on P. Delhi was established. highest percentage that . Moreover, higher rate during May 2022 organically cultivated fields. 7.5, 22.5, 12.5 15%, respectively. Conversely, conventionally farmed fields, rates 3.57, 16.67, 10 13.33%, Conclusion use biological control agents particularly parasitoids IPM program should be considered, thereby reducing reliance insecticides increasing efficacy hymenopteran parasitoids.