Parasitization of the Diamondback Moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), in Hawaii

Abstract

Field studies were conducted at Pulehu. Maui, to determine parasitoid species attacking diamondback moth (DBM), Plutella xylostella (L.), on cabbage in 1984 and 1985. Cotesia plutellae (Kurdjumov) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) and Diadegma insulare (Cresson) (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) were the predominant parasitoids reared from DBM larvae. Total percentage parasitism at Pulehu varied from 0 to 59%. Surveys taken in 1986-87 at 6 sites in Hawaii on various crops showed that C. plutellae was widely established in the major vegetable growing areas of the state. D. insulare was recovered only from those sites greater than 780 m in altitude.