Preliminary studies on the parasitism rate of larval parasitoids of the diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella) L. (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) in the Ashanti region of Ghana
Preliminary studies on the parasitism rate of larval parasitoids of the diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella) L. (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) in the Ashanti region of Ghana
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Date
2022
Authors
Yeboah, OE
Amissah-Reynolds, PK
Ofori, AS
Kwakye, DO
Amoabeng, BW
Asante, C
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Journal of Entomology and Zoology Studies
Abstract
The diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella L. (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) is the most important pest of the
brassicas worldwide. Over the years, management of this pest has largely relied on conventional
insecticides, with well-documented negative impacts. Biological control using indigenous natural
enemies is a promising way to manage the pest while reducing the use of synthetic insecticides.
However, due to the negative impact of synthetic insecticides on beneficial insects, the number of natural
enemies in the agroecosystem is often below the levels that may have significant pest reduction. Here, we
assessed the range and parasitism rates of the larval parasitoids of P. xylostella in the Ashanti Region of
Ghana. On the whole, one hymenopteran endo-parasitoid species, Cotesia plutellae, was identified in the
P. xylostella larval samples. In all, the percentage of field parasitism of P. xylostella larvae ranged
between 11% and 23%. Given the percentage of parasitism in this preliminary study, we are of the view
that there is potential in relying on endemic parasitoids to biologically manage P. xylostella if conditions
in agroecology are improved to encourage the survival of these beneficial insects
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Citation
Yeboah, O. E., Amissah-Reynolds, P. K., Ofori, A. S., Kwakye, D. O., Amoabeng, B. W., & Asante, C. (2022). Preliminary studies on the parasitism rate of larval parasitoids of the diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella) L.(Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) in the Ashanti region of Ghana.