Evaluation of Bioinseticide in the Control of Plutella xylostella (Linnaeus, 1758): A Laboratory Study for Large-Scale Implementation

Plutella xylostella is the primary lepidopteran pest of Brassica crops due to its resistance to numerous insecticides. Multipesticide resistance in insects of agricultural importance is a global problem, and new methods of effective control that are less harmful to the environment are becoming increasingly necessary. The present study analyzed the effects of the aqueous extract of Simarouba sp. at concentrations of 10, 5, 1 and 0.1% in comparison with distilled water (as a control) on the feeding preference, oviposition, and embryonic development of P. xylostella. The results demonstrated that the aqueous extract of Simarouba sp. decreased oviposition and feeding in P. xylostella. A reduction in larval hatching was also observed, indicating ovicidal properties. In particular, the 1% concentration resulted in a more significant decrease in oviposition and the number of hatched larvae. Furthermore, concentrations of 10% and 5% caused food intake suppression, while concentrations of 1% and 0.1% reduced dietary intake by 97% and 78%, respectively. This study highlights the efficacy of Simarouba sp. aqueous extract in controlling the diamondback moth, as larval feeding and the number of individuals reaching the larval stage were reduced. Thus, the control method used in this laboratory study is expected to be successful if utilized on a large scale.