Management of diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) by mating disruption

Field trials were conducted in China in 2008 and 2009 to evaluate the efficacy of mating disruption (MD) on diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella, in cabbage, Brassica oleracea var. capitata. Effectiveness was positively correlated with the MD dispenser density in the field. A density of 167 MD dispensers per ha produced an average population decrease of about 50% compared to the conventional-practice field. Significant fewer males were captured in pheromone-treated and conventional-practice fields than in the blank control field, but the difference was not significant between the pheromone-treated and conventional-practice fields. In addition, fewer eggs and larvae were observed in pheromone-treated fields. Our results suggest mating disruption coupled with minimal insecticidal supplements is a promising solution for resistance management and control of diamondback moth infestation.