Spatio-temporal distribution patterns of Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) in a fine-scale agricultural landscape based on geostatistical analysis

Abstract

A detailed knowledge on the spatial distribution of pests is crucial for predicting population outbreaks or developing control strategies and sustainable management plans. The diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella, is one of the most destructive pests of cruciferous crops worldwide. Despite the abundant research on the species’s ecology, little is known about the spatio-temporal pattern of P. xylostella in an agricultural landscape. Therefore, in this study, the spatial distribution of P. xylostella was characterized to assess the effect of landscape elements in a fine-scale agricultural landscape by geostatistical analysis. The P. xylostella adults captured by pheromone-baited traps showed a seasonal pattern of population fluctuation from October 2015 to September 2017, with a marked peak in spring, suggesting that mild temperatures, 15–25 °C, are favorable for P. xylostella. Geostatistics (GS) correlograms fitted with spherical and Gaussian models showed an aggregated distribution in 21 of the 47 cases interpolation contour maps. This result highlighted that spatial distribution of P. xylostella was not limited to the Brassica vegetable field, but presence was the highest there. Nevertheless, population aggregations also showed a seasonal variation associated with the growing stage of host plants. GS model analysis showed higher abundances in cruciferous fields than in any other patches of the landscape, indicating a strong host plant dependency. We demonstrate that Brassica vegetables distribution and growth stage, have dominant impacts on the spatial distribution of P. xylostella in a fine-scale landscape. This work clarified the spatio-temporal dynamic and distribution patterns of P. xylostella in an agricultural landscape, and the distribution model developed by geostatistical analysis can provide a scientific basis for precise targeting and localized control of P. xylostella.

Distribution and fixed-precision sampling plans for diamondback moth (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), on winter–spring cabbage

“…The relative variance in this study showed that plant growth stages preceding head maturation are particularly vulnerable to P. xylostella infestation, thus requiring consistent monitoring. This corroborates the findings of Li et al (2021) who reported that plant growth stages are an influential factor affecting the temporal distribution of P. xylostella .…”

Verification of AKT and CDK5 Gene and RNA Interference Combined with Irradiation to Mediate Fertility Changes in Plutella xylostella (Linnaeus)

“…The diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella (Linnaeus)) is one of the most globally destructive and economically impactful pests of cruciferous vegetables [1], causing great losses in cruciferous plant production [2][3][4]. Plutella xylostella poses a significant threat to the foliage of vegetables during its larval period, with adults laying eggs on the fresh leaves, leading to significant economic losses due to diminished yields and compromised produce quality [4][5][6].…”

Seasonal Dynamics of the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug, Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), in Apple Orchards of Western Slovenia Using Two Trap Types

“…Landscape characteristics, such as landscape diversity, patch size and fragmentation, have an important impact on the insect pest dispersal capacity, pest population dynamics and size [39]. As landscape patterns in agroecosystems can vary in space and time, this can be reflected by altered distribution and pest abundance [40].…”