LAUSR

Abstract In the present study, ecological control of P. xylostella was examined in two steps, primary (using trap cropping) and supplementary (using Bt applications). Perimeter trap cropping was applied at 500-m2 plots of cauliflower using trap crops (Indian, field and white mustards, Chinese cabbage, sweet alyssum, pot marigold). Random sampling was performed to estimate the populations of P. xylostella adults on trap crops, P. xylostella pre-adults on main crops, percentage parasitism, damage intensity and crop yield. There was significant differences between treatments for adults, pre-adults, preference and reduction indices, linear correlation and regression between pest attraction to trap crop and pest population reduction on main crop, percentage parasitism and damage intensity, but not for crop yield. The minimum Bt application was happened on Indian mustard treatment (two times). The present study showed that it is practical to ecologically control the diamondback moth using a combination of trap cropping and Bt spray.