Economic threshold for the management of Plutella xylostella with granulovirus in cauliflower ecosystem

Abstract

Resistance to chemicals and some biological control agents by Plutella xylostella has resulted in the search for alternatives, such as P. xylostella granulovirus (PlxyGV), for the management of P. xylostella. However, use of PlxyGV would be economical only if it is applied at the right crop stage and at economic threshold levels. Hence, we evaluated the field level economic threshold for application of PlxyGV at the reproductive phase of cauliflower taking into consideration both the economic threshold model and the economic optimization model. PlxyGV was found to be very effective in management of the pest and was comparable to weekly applications of quinalphos 25EC. However, due to the higher cost of PlxyGV application than quinalphos, the cost benefit ratio with quinalphos application was much higher than the virus application. The net income from the virus application decreased both at lower thresholds—due to the higher cost of plant protection, and at higher thresholds—due to the increased damage by the pest. Based on the economic threshold model, the economic threshold for application of PlxyGV was estimated at 9–11 larvae per ten plants. Considering the net income per hectare and the cost of plant protection, it was found that at a threshold of 12–14 larvae per ten plants net income was just equal to the cost of plant protection. Based on the economic optimization model, the optimum threshold for application of PlxyGV was 15 larvae per ten plants when profits are maximum.