Abstract
An effective biological control-integrated pest management (BC-IPM) system for lepidopteran pests— Plutella xylostella (L.), Pieris rapae (L.), and Trichoplusia ni (Hübner)—of crucifers that maximizes biological control has been developed. In the late 1960s the first phase was developed; chemical insecticides were replaced by the judicious use of the microbial insecticide Bacillus thuringiensis . In 1980, following chemical insecticide resistance problems, the system was implemented; there was an immediate reduction (>50%) in the number of treatment applications required. From 1985 to 1990 technology and procedures for using parasites for seasonal inoculations were developed. Field tests conducted from 1988 to 1990 established that a complex of several species of parasites could increase parasitism, reduce pest populations, and result in market acceptable cabbage and broccoli crops. In 1990–1991, the BC-IPM system was successfully validated in 53 ha of commercial cabbage in Rio Grande Valley of Texas. A commercial insectary produced, sold, and released the beneficial insects. This BC-IPM system is currently being used on a large scale for broccoli production in Guatemala.
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