ePrints

Testing and improving the effectiveness of trap crops for management of the diamondback moth Plutella xylostella (L.): a laboratory-based study

Lookup NU author(s): David George, Dr Gordon Port

Downloads

Full text for this publication is not currently held within this repository. Alternative links are provided below where available.

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to assess white mustard (Sinapis alba L.) as a trap crop for diamondback moth [Plutella xylostella (L.)] on cauliflower [Brassica oleracea (L.) var. Lateman]. Moth behaviour on these plants and the importance of plant age and size in maintaining pest preference for trap crop plants were also investigated. Results: Three times as many eggs were laid on cauliflower plants that were unprotected than on plants protected by a trap crop of white mustard. Moths remained longer on the mustard plants as a result of a doubling in the mean duration of information-providing behaviours. Plant age had little effect on P. xylostella host preference. When plant age was constant, percentage oviposition on mustard was higher when these were larger (93%) than copresented cauliflower plants, compared with when they were smaller (68%). Conclusion: Trap cropping with white mustard may reduce the incidence of P. xylostella in cauliflower crops. The pest management benefits of trap crops may be maximised by using trap crop plants that are larger than the main crop plants, although relatively smaller trap crop plants may still be preferred as hosts for P. xylostella per se. © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry.

Publication metadata

Author(s): George D, Collier R, Port G

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Pest Management Science

Year: 2009

Volume: 65

Issue: 11

Pages: 1219-1127

ISSN (print): 1526-498X

ISSN (electronic): 1526-4998

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ps.1813

DOI: 10.1002/ps.1813

PubMed id: 19588477

Altmetrics

Share