Entomology Research Lab., P.G. Department of Zoology, University of Kashmir, Hazratbal, Srinagar - 190 006, J & K, India.
*Corresponding author's: E-mail: din_ento@yahoo.co.in
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Field surveys for 4 years were carried out in 7-districts of Kashmir Valley in successive seasons from 2004 to 2006, to determine the host crop range and parasitoid species of diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.). The moth was found damaging 7 vegetable crops, including 6 new host crops. A total of 5 hymenopterous parasitoids were obtained by rearing the larvae and pupae of P. xylostella, out of which 3 are being reported for the first time from Kashmir. Diadegma fenestrale (Holmgren) and Cotesia plutellae (Kurdj.) were observed to be the most abundant and highly effective parasitoid species, causing parasitization to the highest extent of 57.3% and 29.4% respectively. Apanteles sp. and Itoplectis nr. himalayensis were observed to be relatively less abundant but considerably effective in suppressing the population of P. xylostella. The highest parasitism caused by Apanteles sp. and Itoplectis nr. himalayensis on P. xylostella was observed to be 16.6% and 14.2% respectively. T. sokolowskii showed less prevalence in the field and caused 7.4% the parasitism on P. xylostella.
