Biology of Diamondback Moth, Plutella xylostella (Linn.) on Brassica juncea cv. PUSA BOLD

Biology of diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella was studied under protected natural and laboratory condition on mustard crop. Oviposition period 4.5±0.38 days of Plutella xylostella in field condition while, 6.5±0.41 days in laboratory condition. It passed through four instar, the larval periods are 9.5±0.36, 16.5±0.41, 7.5±0.79 and 7.5±0.72 days, respectively. The pupal period ranged from 10.0±1.58 days. Adult longevity of males and females 12.5±1.11 and 20.0±1.00 days in field condition. In laboratory condition the larval periods ranged from 5.0±0.55, 3.5 ±0.60, 4.0±0.45 and 3.5±0.85 days and the pupal period ranged from 4.50±1.11 days. The adult longevity of males and females 8.0±0.70 and 11.0±0.82 days. The life period of males and females 64.5±5.02 and 72.0±5.09 days in field condition while, in laboratory condition 32.5±4.03 and 35.5±4.32 days.