Diamondback moth (DBM) Plutella xylostella (Linneaus) is one of the most destructive pests of crucifers viz., cabbage, cauliflower radish, knol khol, turnip, beet root, mustard and rape seed in India. The loss in yield caused by the pest varies from 31-100%. The detailed life history as studied by various authors is presented. The pest incidence is generally more during February to September, though it is noticed throughout the year. Population of four or more medium sized larvae (3 rd and 4 th instars) could render a seedling un-transplantable. One standard hole of size 0.5 to 1.00 cm in diameter is taken as the visual damage threshold for insecticide application. The list of natural enemies recorded on DBM is summarized. The management of DBM through cultural, botanical, IGR's, microbial and chemical methods is discussed. DBM is the first crop pest in the world to develop resistance to DDT and Bacillus thuringiensis. The reported cases of resistance development to insecticides and various components of integrated resistance management is summarized. Integrated management of DBM using Indian mustard as trap crop is most promising. This involves planting of paired mustard rows for every 25 rows of cabbage and two sprays with 0.05% cartap hydrochloride to manage the pest on the main crop and spraying the trap crop with 0.1% dichlorvos at 10 to 15 days interval.

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