Agro-economic comparison of two systems of management of <i>Plutella xylostella</i> (L.) in cabbage in Esteli, Nicaragua

Abstract

From September to December 2000, two management systems of Plutella xylostella were compared: the conventional management practiced by the cabbage farmer, and an integrated pest management system (IPM). The quantity of Plutella larvae found was less in the IPM system when compared to areas managed in the conventional way. Thirty percent of P. xylostella were parasitized by Diadegma insulare in the IPM system and 7% in the conventional system (P=0.001). The differential and total costs were higher in the IPM system as were the brute and net profits (P = 0.04). The total cost increased by 10% and the net profit increased by 201% when the conventional system is changed to IPM.

Key words: Differential cost; IMP; parasitoid; plutella.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/ceiba.v48i1-2.438

Ceiba, 2007. Volumen 48(1-2): 83-87