Development and reproductive potential of Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) in five Brassicaceae hosts

Abstract Plutella xylostella (L.) is one of the main pests in Brassicaceae crops, although, information regarding its biology on alternative hosts is scarce, crucial for its mass rearing. We studied the development, biology, and population parameters of P. xylostella, fed with different Brassicaceae. In laboratory conditions, P. xylostella was reared from larva 1 to adult. Larvae were fed with B. napus (rapeseed), Brassica carinata (Ethiopian rape), Brassica oleracea var. capitata (cabbage), Rapistrum rugosum (turnipweed) and Raphanus raphanistrum (radish). The development time of immature stages was longer in B. oleracea var. capitata (19.19 ± 0.43d) and shorter in R. raphanistrum (15.44 ± 0.37d). In R. rugosum, the highest survival of individuals that reached adult stage was achieved. The highest value of oviposited eggs was recorded in R. rugosum (300.82 ± 24), and highest hatching percentage in R. raphanistrum (79.7%). The highest values of net reproductive rate, intrinsic rate of increase and finite rate of growth, were obtained with R. rugosum. P. xylostella complete their whole cycle in any of the five hosts, being R. rugosum most suitable host for an efficient mass rearing system.