The evaluation of Apanteles plutellae Kurdj and two introduced parasites, Diadegma eucerophaga Grav and Thyraeella collaris Horstn of Plutella xylostella was carried out by first measuring the searching efficiency (in terms of area of discovery (a), the killing power (K), and other biological attributes in the laboratory, and then in the field. The laboratory results indicated that D. euceropha...

The diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L), is recognized as a widely distributed and serious pest of crucifers in many countries. In some countries, however, it is effectively suppressed by parasites. These are critically examined as are the various attempts to import parasites and to release them. The appraisal reveals that the parasites of P. xylostella are a valuable control component an...

The diamondback moth (DBM) (Plutella xylostella) is one of the main pests of brassicaceous crops worldwide and shows resistance against a wide range of synthetic insecticides incurring millions of dollars in control costs every year. The DBM is a prime example of the introduction of an exotic species as a consequence of globalization. In this study we analyzed the genetic population structure o...

Attempts to control diamondback moth Plutella xylostella (L.) using insect parasitoids have not been entirely successful. Parasitoids which have been utilized include Diadegma species and Cotesia plutellae. A better understanding of the systematics of these Hymenoptera could lead to their more effective exploitation in biological control. Diadegma is a very large and difficult genus of lchneumo...

The widespread fungal pathogen Zoophthora radicans kills both adult and larval stages of the diamondback moth. At IACR-Rothamsted, a novel strategy for diamondback moth control, based upon a fast entry/ slow exit trap containing the female sex pheromone and the pathogen, is under development. Male moths are attracted into an inoculation chamber where they are showered with infective conidia of ...

Interspecific competition between an introduced parasitoid species aimed at controlling a herbivorous pest species and a native parasitoid parasitising the same host may influence the success of classical biological control programmes. In Kenya, interspecific competition between an introduced and a local parasitoid on two diamondback moth populations (DBM, Plutella xylostella) was investigated ...

The population dynamics of major brassica pests and occurrence of their natural enemies were monitored weekly for a period of 9 months on cabbage (var. Copenhagen Market) at a research station plot (no pesticides applied) and a farmer’s field (weekly application of Permethrin 10 EC or Dimethoate 40 EC) in Central Kenya. Pest infestations occurred within 14 days after the seedlings were transpla...

The diamond back moth Plutella xylostella (L.) is the most serious pest of Brassicaceae in the world. It is resistant to many insecticides which has led to a search for alternative techniques of control, principally biocontrolbased pest management. The impact of P. xylostella and its parasitoids was analysed in a 6-month study of cabbage crops in the Brasilia region of Brazil, from June to Nove...