Hostname: page-component-78c5997874-m6dg7 Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-13T02:36:55.832Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

Impact of an exotic parasitoid on Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) population dynamics, damage and indigenous natural enemies in Kenya

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  24 July 2007

B. Löhr ,
R. Gathu ,
C. Kariuki ,
J. Obiero  and
G. Gichini
B. Löhr*
Affiliation:
International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, PO Box 30772, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya
R. Gathu
Affiliation:
International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, PO Box 30772, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya
C. Kariuki
Affiliation:
Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, Katumani Research Centre, PO Box 340, 90700 Machakos, Kenya
J. Obiero
Affiliation:
Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, Muguga Research Centre, PO Box 30148, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya
G. Gichini
Affiliation:
International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, PO Box 30772, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya
*
*Fax: +254 20 8632001 E-mail: blohr@icipe.org
Get access Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Abstract

Diadegma semiclausum (Hellén) (Hymenoptera: lchneumonidae), an exotic diamondback moth parasitoid, was released in two pilot areas (Werugha in Coast Region and Tharuni in Central Province) in Kenya. Fifteen month before release, observations on the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (Linnaeus), and local natural enemy population dynamics and pest damage were initiated in both areas and continued for three years after release. The P. xylostella population was bimodal with higher records during dry seasons. At Werugha, the peak population of P. xylostella was 16.8 per plant (October 2001); at Tharuni it was 12.8 (February 2002). Populations at Werugha declined from three months after release and decreased from 5.4 per plant (before release) to 0.8 (year 3 after release). Concurrently, average damage (1.9 to 1.5) (on a 0–5 scale), proportion of attacked plants (72 to 31%) and proportion of plants in damage group >2 (plants with head damage) decreased (21.4 to 5.3%), while total parasitism increased from 14.4 (before) to 52.5% (year 3 after release, 90% due to D. semiclausum). At Tharuni, D. semiclausum was only recovered 3 months after release. Average populations of P. xylostella declined from 5.9 per plant (before release) to 2.4 (year 3 after release) and damage scores from 2.3 to 1.7. The proportion of plants in damage group >2 declined from 39.7 to 4.5% while overall parasitism increased from 4.2 to 40.6% (98.3% by D. semiclausum). Four species of indigenous parasitoids (Diadegma mollipla (Holmgren), Oomyzus sokolowskii (Kurdjumov), Apanteles sp. and Itoplectis sp., all primary parasitoids) were almost completely displaced by D. semiclausum. Possible reasons for the different parasitoid development between the two release areas and the displacement of the indigenous species are discussed.

Keywords

Plutella xylostellabiological controlDiadegma semiclausumindigenous parasitoidsbiocontrol impactparasitoid displacement
Type
Research Article
Information
Bulletin of Entomological Research , Volume 97 , Issue 4 , August 2007 , pp. 337 - 350
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2007

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Amend, J. & Mangalli, T. (1992) Field release of the parasitoid Diadegma semiclausum (Hellen) (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) against Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Yponomeutidae) in seed Petchay in Northern Luzon. Philippine Journal of Plant Industry 57, 53–62.Google Scholar
Ayalew, G., Löhr, B., Baumgärtner, J. & Ogol, C.K.P.O. (2004) Diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) and its parasitoids in Ethiopia. p. 140 in Kirk, A.A. & Bordat, D. Eds Proceedings of the International Symposium Improving Biocontrol of Plutella xylostella. Montpellier France, 21–24 October 2002.Google Scholar
Azidah, A.A., Fitton, M.G. & Quicke, D.L.J. (2000) Identification of the Diadegma species (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae, Campopleginae) attacking the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae). Bulletin of Entomological Research 90, 375–389.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Bassiangama, A., le Rü, B., Iziquel, Y., Kiyindou, A. & Bimangou, A.S. (1989) L'entomocénose inféodée à la cochenille du manioc, Phenacoccus manihoti (Homoptera: Pseudococcidae), au Congo, cinq ans après l'introduction d'Epidinocarsis lopezi (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae). Annales de la Sociétée Entomologique de France 25, 315–320.Google Scholar
Batten, L.A. (1976) Bird communities of some Killarney woodlands. Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy 76, 285–313.Google Scholar
Bennett, F. (1993) Do introduced parasitoids displace native ones? Florida Entomologist 76, 54–63.Google Scholar
Biever, K.D. (1996) Development and use of a biological control–IPM system for insect pests of crucifers. p. 257in Sivapragasam, A., Kole, W.H., Hassan, A.K. & Lim, G.S. Eds The management of diamondback moth and other crucifer pests. Proceedings of the Third International Workshop, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 29 October–1 November 1996.Google Scholar
Boussienguet, J. (1988) Morphologie et biologie d'Anagyrus nyombae, n. sp., parasite de Phenacoccus manihoti, au Gabon (Hymenoptera, Encyrtidae; Homoptera, Pseudococcidae). Revue Francaise d'Entomologie 10, 277–283.Google Scholar
Boussienguet, J., Neuenschwander, P. & Herren, H.R. (1991) Le complexe entomophage de la cochenille du manioc au Gabon. 4. Etablissement du parasitoide Epidinocarsis lopezi. Entomophaga 36, 455–469.Google Scholar
Broodryk, S.W. (1971) The biology of Diadegma stellenboschense (Cameron) (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae), a parasitoid of potato tuber moth. Journal of the Entomological Society of South Africa 34, 413–423.Google Scholar
Cartwright, B., Edelson, J.V. & Chambers, C. (1987) Composite action thresholds for the control of lepidopterous pests on fresh-market cabbage in the lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas. Journal of Economic Entomology 80, 175–181.Google Scholar
Eusebio, J.E. & Morallo-Rejesus, B. (1996). Integrated pest management of diamondback moth: the Philippine highlands' experience. p. 253in Sivapragasam, A., Kole, W.H., Hassan, A.K. & Lim, G.S. Eds The management of diamondback moth and other crucifer pests. Proceedings of the Third International Workshop, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 29 October–1 November 1996.Google Scholar
Evans, I.B.P. (1939) Solving the Union's pasture, crop and insect problems. Annual Report of the Division of Plant Industry. Farming in South Africa 117, 22 pp.Google Scholar
Greathead, D. (1971) A review of biological control in the Ethiopian region. Commonwealth Institute of Biological Control Technical Communication No. 5, Commonwealth Agricultural Bureaux, Slough, UK, 162 pp.Google Scholar
Gupta, V.K. (1974) Studies on certain porizontine ichneumonids reared from economic hosts (parasitic Hymenoptera). Oriental Insects 3, 99–116.Google Scholar
Hamilton, J.T. (1979) Seasonal abundance of Pieris rapae (L.), Plutella xylostella (L.) and their diseases and parasites. General and Applied Entomology 11, 59–66.Google Scholar
Harcourt, D.G.Backs, R.H. & Case, L.M. (1955) Abundance and relative importance of caterpillars attacking cabbage in Eastern Ontario. Canadian Entomologist 87, 400–406.Google Scholar
Hardy, J.E. (1938) Plutella maculipennis Curt., its natural and biological control in England. Bulletin of Entomological Research 29, 343–373.Google Scholar
Iga, M. (1997) Effect of release of the introduced ichneumonid parasitoid, Diadegma semiclausum (Hellen), on the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) in an experimental cabbage field. Japanese Journal of Applied Entomology and Zoology 44, 195–199.Google Scholar
Kfir, R. (1997) Parasitoids of diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Yponomeutidae), in South Africa: an annotated list. Entomophaga 42, 517–523.Google Scholar
Kfir, R. (2003) Effect of parasitoid elimination on populations of diamondback moth on cabbage. p. 197 in Endersby, N.M. & Ridland, P.M. Eds The management of diamondback moth and other crucifer pests. Proceedings of the Fourth International Workshop, 26–29November 2001, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, Australian Entomological Society.Google Scholar
Kibata, G.N. (1996) The diamondback moth: a problem pest of brassica crops in Kenya. p. 47in Sivapragasam, A., Kole, W.H., Hassan, A.K. & Lim, G.S. Eds The management of diamondback moth and other crucifer pests. Proceedings of the Third International Workshop, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 29 October–1 November 1996.Google Scholar
Lim, G.S., Sivapragasam, A. & Loke, W.H. (1996) Crucifer insect pest problems: trends, issues and management strategies. p. 3in Sivapragasam, A., Kole, W.H., Hassan, A.K. & Lim, G.S. Eds The management of diamondback moth and other crucifer pests. Proceedings of the Third International Workshop, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 29 October–1 November 1996.Google Scholar
Macharia, I., Löhr, B. & DeGroote, H. (2005) Assessing the potential impact of biological control of the diamondback moth in cabbage production in Kenya. Crop Protection 24, 981–989.Google Scholar
Momanyi, C., Löhr, B. & Gitonga, L. (2006) Biological impact of the exotic parasitoid, Diadegma semiclausum (Hellen), of diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella L., in Kenya. Biological Control 38, 254–263.Google Scholar
Mugurran, A.E. (1988) Ecological diversity and its measurement. 179 p. Princeton, New Jersey, Princeton University Press.Google Scholar
Oatman, E.R. & Platner, G.R. (1969) An ecological study of insect populations on cabbage in Southern California. Hilgardia 40, 1–40.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Oduor, G.I., Löhr, B. & Seif, A.A. (1996) Seasonality of major cabbage pests and incidence of their natural enemies in Central Kenya. p. 37in Sivapragasam, A., Kole, W.H., Hassan, A.K. & Lim, G.S. Eds The management of diamondback moth and other crucifer pests. Proceedings of the Third International Workshop, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 29 October–1 November 1996.Google Scholar
Ooi, P. (1992) Role of parasitoids in managing diamondback moth in the Cameron Highlands, Malaysia. p. 255 in Talekar, N.S. Ed. Diamondback moth and other crucifer pests. Proceedings of the Second International Workshop, Tainan, Taiwan, 10–14 December 1990.Google Scholar
Poelking, A. (1992) Diamondback moth in the Philippines and its control with Diadegma semiclausum. p. 271 in Talekar, N.S. Ed. Diamondback moth and other crucifer pests. Proceedings of the Second International Workshop, Tainan, Taiwan, 10–14 December 1990.Google Scholar
Rossbach, A., Löhr, B. & Vidal, S. (2005) Generalism versus specialism: response of Diadegma mollipla (Holmgren) and Diadegma semiclausum (Hellen) to the host shift of the diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella L.) to peas. Journal of Insect Behaviour 18, 491–503.Google Scholar
Ru, N. & Workman, R.B. (1979) Seasonal abundances and parasites of imported cabbage worm, diamondback moth and cabbage webworm in Northeast Florida. Florida Entomologist. 62, 68–69.Google Scholar
SAS Institute Inc. (2002) SAS/STAT Users Guide, Cary, North Carolina, USA.Google Scholar
Sastrosiswojo, S. & Sastrodihardjo, S. (1986) Status of biological control of diamondback moth by introduction of parasitoid Diadegma eucerophaga in Indonesia. p. 185 in Talekar, N.S. & Griggs, T.D. Eds Diamondback moth management: Proceedings of the First International Workshop, Shanhua, Taiwan, 11–15 March 1985.Google Scholar
Shelton, A.M., Perez, C.J., Tang, J.D. & Van den Berg, J.D. (1996) Prospects for novel approaches towards management of the diamondback moth. p. 17in Sivapragasam, A., Kole, W.H., Hassan, A.K. & Lim, G.S. Eds The management of diamondback moth and other crucifer pests. Proceedings of the Third International Workshop, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 29 October–1 November 1996.Google Scholar
Simonet, D.E. & Morisak, D.J. (1982) Utilizing action thresholds in small-plot insecticide evaluations against cabbage-feeding lepidopterous larvae. Journal of Economic Entomology 75, 43–46.Google Scholar
Talekar, N.S., Yang, J.C. & Lee, S.T. (1992) Introduction of Diadegma semiclausum to control diamondback moth in Taiwan. p. 263 in Talekar, N.S. Ed. Diamondback moth and other crucifer pests. Proceedings of the Second International Workshop, Tainan, Taiwan, 10–14 December 1990.Google Scholar
Uk, S. & Harris, J.G. (1996) The historical failure of insecticide resistance management of the diamondback moth and the way forward. p. 222in Sivapragasam, A., Kole, W.H., Hassan, A.K. & Lim, G.S. Eds The management of diamondback moth and other crucifer pests. Proceedings of the Third International Workshop, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 29 October–1 November 1996.Google Scholar
Ullyett, G.C. (1947) Mortality factors in populations of Plutella maculipennis Curt. (Tineidae: Lep) and their relation to the problem of control. Entomological Memoirs, Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Union of South Africa 2, 77–202.Google Scholar
Verkerk, R.H.J. & Wright, D.J. (1996) Multitrophic interactions and management of the diamondback moth: a review. Bulletin of Entomological Research 86, 205–216.CrossRefGoogle Scholar