Species:
 
Plutella xylostella (Linnaeus)
   
Common name: 
 
Cabbage moth
   
Damaging stage:
 
Larvae
   
Crops Affected:
 
Crucifers/Brassicas
   
Characteristic Damage:
 
Larvae feed on the surface of the leaves leaving the leaf epidermis intact creating a “feeding window” appearance.
   
Feeding on growing points of the host plants leads to stunting and severe damage.
   
Larvae are also known to bore into the flower buds, stalks or heads of broccoli or cauliflower that greatly reduce the quality of the produce.
   
Produce webs that facilitate easier movement from one part to another.
   
Management and Control:
 
Monitor the area regularly.
   
Use of natural enemies like parasitoids Microplitis plutellae (Muesbeck) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), Diadegma insulare (Cresson) (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae), andDiadromus         subtilicornis (Gravenhorst) (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae).
   
Use of microbial insecticides like Bacillus thuringiensis to control insect population.
   
Use of natural enemies/parasitic wasps like Diadegma insulare (Cresson), Microplitis plutellae (Muesebeck) and  Diadromus subtilicornis (Gravenhorst).
   
Spray insecticides like spinosad, diafenthiuron, cartap hydrochloride, acephate and when necessary.
   
References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diamondback_moth
http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/veg/leaf/diamondback_moth.htm
http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/r108301311.html
http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/agdex2540
   

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