Tackling diamondback moth Plutella xylostella (L.) resistance: a review on the current research on vegetable integrated pest management in Zimbabwe

Abstract

The diamondback moth (DBM), Plutella xylostella (L.) is a destructive pest of brassicas globally. Control of the pest is dominated by insecticides. Studies have shown that in some African countries, there is a great reliance on broad spectrum insecticides such as pyrethroids, organophosphates and carbamates, that are applied weekly or twice per week. Use of unregistered insecticides has also been reported. The quality of insecticide application has also been reported to be poor or ineffective. It is therefore not surprising that DBM is fast developing resistance to the major insecticides used against it. Adopting an integrated pest management strategy may be a good arsenal to use against the pest.

Keywords:

• diamondback moth
• brassicas
• resistance
• integrated pest management

Acknowledgments

We acknowledge the Horticulture Research Centre for providing us with useful information.