Seasonal abundance of diamondback moth and natural enemies on cabbage

Abstract

The cabbage crop was found to be infested by diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella L). The infestation of diamondback moth started from the third week of November and reached peak (45.2 larvae /10 plants) in the first week of January. The maximum and minimum temperature showed significant negative correlation with larval population of diamondback moth whereas, non-significant correlation with relative humidity and sunshine hours. The coccinellid beetle was recorded as an important predator of aphid, which was maximum (20.2 /10 plants) in the fourth week of January.