Two experiments were performed to evaluate the susceptibility of the diamondback moth to insecticides based on Bacillus thuringiensis in cabbage cv. Itiban. The first experiment was carried out from July to September 2003, in a production area in Brazlândia (DF), Brazil. Randomized blocks with six treatments and ten replicates were used. The tested products were: commercial B. thuringiensis kurstaki (S1450), commercial B. thuringiensis aizawai (Bta) and three experimental formulations based on strains S1450BB, S811BB, S845BB of B. thuringiensis from the collection of Bacillus spp. of Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotecnology. The second experiment was carried out in the experimental area of Embrapa, from October 2003 to January 2004. Randomized blocks with six treatments and four repetitions were used. The tested products were the same as those used in the first experiment with the addition of Spinosad and without S811BB. Products were applied when the level of attack on the plants by the pests reached six holes in the two pairs of central leaves pf the cabbage. Commercial Bta was the most effective product in the first experiment, after five applications and differed from the other products. S845BB and S1450BB were not significantly different when compared to the commercial product S1450, which were applied six times. The product S811BB was also applied six times, but its effectiveness was lower than the other products and was not different to the control. In the second experiment, all products were similar, just differing in the number of applications. Commercial S1450 was applied five times and the other products the base of Bt were applied six times.
Plutella xylostella; bioinsecticides; chemical control
