DDT-resistance in Plutella maculipennis (Curt.) (Lep.) in Java

Abstract

The diamond-back moth, Plutella maculipennis, and Crocidolomia binotalis are the main pests of cabbage in Indonesia. Until 1951, good control was obtained with DDT sprays and dusts, but in that year growers near Lembang (Bandung) obtained poor results with DDT against P. maculipennis as compared with previous years. Investigations were started in Lembang, and also in Patjet (on Mt. Gedeh) where no difficulties had arisen. In laboratory experiments, a marked difference in susceptibility to DDT between a Lembang and a Patjet strain of P. maculipennis was demonstrated.In field tests near Patjet with DDT, BHC and toxaphene, DDT gave satisfactory control and was better than the other two. At Lembang, however, where these three materials were again tested, but with derris and pyrethrum also, toxaphene was the most effective, followed by derris and BHC, while DDT, and also pyrethrum, gave almost no control.For the time being, toxaphene and derris are recommended, the former during the growing season and the latter subsequently, but it is feared that resistance to toxaphene will develop. It may become necessary to resort to cultural and biological measures.