Utilization of Entomopathogenic agents in the management of diamond back moth, Plutella xyostella (L.) infesting cabbage

The investigations were carried out to study the efficacy of entomopathogenic agents against third instar larvae of Plutella xylostalla (L.) under laboratory conditions. The experiment was laid out in a complete randomized block design with 9 treatments replicated three times. The treatments comprised of M. anisopliae @ 2g/L, M. anisopliae @ 4g/L, M. anisopliae @ 6g/L, B. bassiana @ 2g/L, B. bassiana @ 4g/L, B. bassiana @ 6g/L, H. indica @ 100 IJs/L, S. carpocapsae @100 IJs/L and untreated control. Among the various entomopathogenic agents tested for their efficacy against third instar larvae revealed that B. bassiana @ 6g/L was found to be most effective. The treatment with M. anisopliae @ 6g/L was next best treatment in order of their efficacy. Remaining treatments were equally effective. The per cent larval mortality recorded was 78.99 and 67.79 per cent against third instar larvae of P. xylostella.