Field Efficacy of Selected Biorational and Newer Insecticides against Diamondback Moth (Plutella xylostella) in Cauliflower

A field experiment at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Dhule, Maharashtra, India, during the 2025–2026 rabi season compared seven pest-management treatments with an untreated control for diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella) on cauliflower. The experiment followed a randomised block design with three replications. Spinetoram 11.7% SC, emamectin benzoate–lufenuron, spinosad 45% SC, emamectin benzoate 5% SG, Beauveria bassiana, Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki, and azadirachtin were evaluated following two applications. Larval abundance was recorded before treatment and at 3, 7, and 14 days after each application. Across the six post-application assessments, spinetoram had the lowest mean abundance (1.12 larvae per curd), followed by emamectin benzoate–lufenuron (1.25) and spinosad (1.38); the untreated control averaged 5.82 larvae per curd. Among the three biorational preparations, B. thuringiensis var. kurstaki had the lowest mean larval abundance (2.48 larvae per curd). Reported marketable yield was numerically highest with spinetoram (180.24 q/ha), compared with 80.24 q/ha in the untreated control. These findings indicate differences in observed field performance at the study site and during the study season. Their applicability to other seasons, locations, and pest populations remains to be established.