Occurrence of diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), and its larval parasitoids across Saskatchewan, Canada

Abstract

The prevalence of the diamondback moth and its larval parasitoids, was explored across Saskatchewan, Canada. Higher numbers of diamondback moths were recorded early in the season than later and in the Mixed Grassland compared to three other ecoregions. The highest proportion of parasitism was observed in the Boreal Transition ecoregion in early season.

Keywords:

• Plutella xylostella
• Diadegma insulare
• Microplitis plutellae
• biological control
• canola

Acknowledgements

Thanks to Larry Grenkow, Katrina Pawliw, Kaltie Tether and Matthew Evjen for technical assistance. Financial support was provided by Canola/Flax Agri-Science Cluster Project 3.6.2.