Question:
Which of the following biocontrol agent is recommended to control diamond back moth (DBM), serious pests of cruciferous crops particularly cabbage and cauliflower ?
Which of the following biocontrol agent is recommended to control diamond back moth (DBM), serious pests of cruciferous crops particularly cabbage and cauliflower ?
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To maximize the effectiveness of Cotesia plutellae in IPM systems, avoid applying broad-spectrum chemical insecticides, as these are highly toxic to the adult parasitoid wasps.
Updated On: Jul 23, 2026
- Brachymeria lasus
- Cotesia plutellae
- Trichogramma pretiosum
- Chrysoperla zastrowi sillemi
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Verified By Collegedunia
The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The Diamondback Moth (DBM), *Plutella xylostella*, is a highly destructive pest of cruciferous vegetables (such as cabbage and cauliflower) worldwide.
Because DBM has developed widespread resistance to many synthetic chemical insecticides, biological control using natural parasitoids is essential for integrated pest management (IPM).
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze the biocontrol potential of the options:
1. Cotesia plutellae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is a highly specialized, larval endoparasitoid of the Diamondback Moth.
The female wasp lays its eggs inside the early-instar larvae of DBM.
The developing parasitoid larva feeds internally on the host tissues, eventually killing the pest before it can pupate and emerge as an adult.
Because of its high host-searching efficiency and specificity, *Cotesia plutellae* is the most recommended and widely released biological control agent for managing DBM outbreaks in cabbage and cauliflower fields.
2. *Trichogramma pretiosum* is an egg parasitoid that can target DBM eggs, but is generally less effective against DBM in crucifers than the larval specialist *Cotesia*.
3. *Chrysoperla zastrowi sillemi* is a generalist predator (green lacewing) that feeds on aphids and soft-bodied insects, rather than specifically targeting DBM.
4. *Brachymeria lasus* is a pupal parasitoid but is not widely used for commercial biological control of DBM.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The recommended biocontrol agent for managing Diamondback Moth is Cotesia plutellae, corresponding to option (B).
The Diamondback Moth (DBM), *Plutella xylostella*, is a highly destructive pest of cruciferous vegetables (such as cabbage and cauliflower) worldwide.
Because DBM has developed widespread resistance to many synthetic chemical insecticides, biological control using natural parasitoids is essential for integrated pest management (IPM).
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze the biocontrol potential of the options:
1. Cotesia plutellae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is a highly specialized, larval endoparasitoid of the Diamondback Moth.
The female wasp lays its eggs inside the early-instar larvae of DBM.
The developing parasitoid larva feeds internally on the host tissues, eventually killing the pest before it can pupate and emerge as an adult.
Because of its high host-searching efficiency and specificity, *Cotesia plutellae* is the most recommended and widely released biological control agent for managing DBM outbreaks in cabbage and cauliflower fields.
2. *Trichogramma pretiosum* is an egg parasitoid that can target DBM eggs, but is generally less effective against DBM in crucifers than the larval specialist *Cotesia*.
3. *Chrysoperla zastrowi sillemi* is a generalist predator (green lacewing) that feeds on aphids and soft-bodied insects, rather than specifically targeting DBM.
4. *Brachymeria lasus* is a pupal parasitoid but is not widely used for commercial biological control of DBM.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The recommended biocontrol agent for managing Diamondback Moth is Cotesia plutellae, corresponding to option (B).
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