Study on control of diamondback moth,Plutella xylostella with extract of home-use aromatic plants

It is necessary for gardeners to master safe and simple methods for insect pest management.We tested the antifeedant rate,contact toxicity and oviposition deterrent effects on the diamondback moth Plutella xylostella by using commercial dry fruits of Zanthoxylum bungeanum (Zb),Illicium verum (Iv) and fresh fruits of Capsicum frutescens (Cf) as botanical pesticides.The results showed that antifeedant rate of 3rd larva instar was 0.94,0.86 and 0.76 when the cabbage leaves treated with Iv,Zb and Cf extracts,respectively.Antifeedant rate of 3rd instar larva was increased as extracts condensed.Feeding time showed no significant influence on their antifeedant rate.Mortality of 3rd larva instar was 45.6%,35.6% and 23.3% when exposing the insects to cabbage leaves which treated with Zb,IV and Cf extracts,respectively,much higher than that of control.Effects of test extracts on oviposition deterrent of the diamondback moth were studied.Illicium verum was more effective for controlling the diamondback moth.Our study may be useful for controlling the diamondback moth with self-made plant extract in garden.