Life Cycle of the Diamondback Moth Plutella xylostella L. (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), in Broccoli and Cauliflower under Laboratory Conditions

Abstract

This research aimed to determine the biological cycle of Plutella xylostella (DBM), raised in broccoli var. Calabrese and cauliflower var. Snowball in laboratory conditions averaging 76.1 ° F and 65% RH. The mating of the moths was carried out in one-liter plastic containers and the postures were incubated inside 200 ml polypropylene cups, both covered with nets. To provide suitable food for larvae the plants were cultivated under cover to avoid infestation with pests. Fresh leaves were used to feed the larvae until pupation. The results were analyzed with the nonparametric statistical test of Kruskal-Wallis. The following biological parameters were obtained, reared with broccoli and cauliflower leaves respectively: incubation period 3 days; larval period 9.76 and 9.69 days; pupal period 5.1 and 5.3 days; biological cycle 19.5 and 19.9 days and 175 and 187 eggs as the capacity of oviposition of mated females. These results do not show significant statistical differences of the moth’s biological cycle between the two host plants.