Three biopesticides based on Bacillus thuringiensis (Dipel, Florbac and Biobit), and two chemical insecticides (deltamethrin and abamectin) were evaluated in field trials against Plutella xylostella (L.) and its parasitoids in Brazil. Plots treated with Florbac, Biobit and abamectin produced 100% marketable cabbages. Dipel and deltamethrin also resulted in acceptable control (85% yield). In the control plot, 97.2% of the yield was lost. The rate of parasitism on the plots treated with biopesticides was between 35.7 and 60.5%, in the control was 42.9% and in those treated with chemical insecticides was 9.0 and 25.8 %. These results indicate that the biopesticides had no adverse effect on the parasitoids, in contrast to the classic chemical products.
Insecta; cabbage; Brassica oleracea var. capitata; diamondback moth; Diadegma sp.; Apanteles sp.; Cotesia plutellae; chemical control
