Marking Adult Diamondback Moth, Plutella Xylostella (L.), and Estimation of Adult Survival Rate and Population Density in a Cabbage Field

Abstract

Nine non-commercial colored aerosol dyes were screened in the laboratory to determine their suitability for marking the adults of Plutella xylostella in the field. The satisfactory dyes were Solar Pure Blue, Acid B. M. Green, Solar R. B. and Acid Scarlet B. A. These dye marks were easily recognized on the moths. None of the dyes tested did not affect the longevity of the moths and the dyes remained better on the body than on the wings when water was applied. Solar Pure Blue and Solar R. B. marked moths did not differ significantly from unmarked moths in longevity, fertility and the number of mating pairs. A method of marking P. xylostella adults in the field was described. The survival rate of moths in a summer cabbage plot, estimated using Jackson's (1939) ‘positive method’ was 0.67 per day. © 1988, JAPANESE SOCIETY OF APPLIED ENTOMOLOGY AND ZOOLOGY. All rights reserved.