Conserving the efficacy of insecticides against Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lep., Plutellidae)

Abstract

The diamondback moth (DBM), Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lep., Plutellidae), is one of the most destructive insect pests of crucifers worldwide. It was the first crop insect reported to be resistant to DDT and now in many crucifer-producing regions it has shown significant resistance to almost every insecticide applied in field including biopesticides such as crystal toxins from Bacillus thuringiensis and spinosyns from Saccharopolyspora spinosa. In certain parts of the world, economical production of crucifers has become almost impossible because of its resistance to insecticides and resulting control failure. A coordinated resistance management program needs to be implemented with the involvement of pesticide industry, local pesticide regulatory authorities, scientists and farmers. The judicious use of chemicals in conjunction with other control measures (e.g. biological control agents, resistant varieties, proper fertilization rates) is the best way to manage DBM and other pests of cruciferous crops. Introduction of glucosinolatesulphatase inhibitors as plant-incorporated-products or sprayable material may also lead to a novel pest management strategy.

Resistance of Brazilian diamondback moth populations to insecticides

“…The diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), ranks in the top 20 most resistant insect species reported so far, which has developed resistance to virtually all insecticide classes (Sarfraz and Keddie, 2005). It is the most important Brassicaceae pest in many parts of the world (Talekar and Shelton, 1993).…”

“…In general, these drawbacks are associated with another more aggravating problem, the evolution of insecticide resistance in insect populations (Georghiou, 1983), result-ing from high selection pressure with pesticides. In the case of P. xylostella, several generations a year and its high migration potential have contributed to faster selection of resistant populations to several classes of insecticides (Sarfraz and Keddie, 2005).…”

Efeito de sinigrina aplicada em folhas de brássicas sobre características biológicos de Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae)

“…Devido à alta pressão de seleção, impulsionada pelo uso indiscriminado de inseticidas, P. xylostella têm desenvolvido altos níveis de resistência a esses produtos químicos, tornando difícil o controle (CASTELO BRANCO; MELO, 2002;MOTA-SANCHEZ et al, 2002;KEDDIE, 2005). Assim, o desenvolvimento de métodos alternativos de controle torna-se essencial ao controle bem sucedido (CHARLESTON et al, 2005).…”

Is the spider a good biological control agent for Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae)?

“…Under such high selection pressures, pests often develop high levels of insecticide resistance . Unfortunately, the most prominent one is P. xylostella, which is naturally difficult to control (Mota-Sanchez et al 2002, Sarfraz andKeddie 2005). Zhao et al (2002) reported that most populations of P. xylostella are susceptible to an insecticide called Spinosad, but control failures occurred in several locations of Hawaii.…”

“…Zhao et al (2002) reported that most populations of P. xylostella are susceptible to an insecticide called Spinosad, but control failures occurred in several locations of Hawaii. Sarfraz and Keddie (2005) reported significant resistance to almost every synthetic insecticide applied in the field of many crucifer-producing regions. For these reasons, we urgently need more environmentally friendly methods, such as biological methods, to control pests and to alleviate the current situation .…”