Economic impact of diadegma as a biocontrol agent against diamondback moth on dry season cabbage production

摘要

Thirty-none (39) participants of Farmers Field School (FFS) and 23 non-FFS farmers were surveyed to determine the effects of Diadegma as a biological control against diamondback moth (DBM) (Plutella xylostella L.) on productivity and income of cabbage during the dry season. There was a significant reduction in the dumber of plants infested with DBM resulting in lower insecticide utilization from 11.10 L to only 4.30 L/ha. Cabbage yield per hectare increased by 9.28percent with the use of Diadegma. Average production cost per hectare declined by 27percent. Due to the combined effects of reduced production cost and increased yield, the average net farm incomes of the FFS farmers increased by 17percent.