Bioecology and Management Strategy of Diamond Back Moth (plutella Xylostella l.)

Cauliflower crop suffers heavy damage caused by numerous insect pests such as crucifer Leaf webber, leaf caterpillar, diamondback moth, borer, semi-looper, flea beetle and tobacco caterpillar etc., which are of economic concern. Among these, DBM is the most serious pest of the cauliflower and cabbage in this area and in most parts of the world. This insect is known to vary to a great extent in respect of habitat and mode of feeding. Hence, the selection of an insecticide and mode of their application to control DBM larvae on different host crops also vary. Efficaey of various chemicals in controlling DBM on different host crops has been widely discussed by many workers in the past. The synthetic chemicals that were initially effective against DBM were found to fail after few continuous applications. Indiscriminate use of every synthetic insecticide for controlling DBM has led to development of resistance in this pest. It is because of this, it built physiological dominance of detoxifying the xenobiotics and the DBM has attained worldwide importance. Therefore, judicious use of these promising bio-rational insecticides as a component of DBM management strategy on various host crops will be of paramount significance.