Distribution, host plants and natural enemies of cabbage bud-worm (Hellula phidilealis (Walker)) in the Caribbean
1991
Alam, M.M. (Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Inst., Kingston 7 (Jamaica))
Hellula phidilealis and other members of this genus usually regarded as the primary pests of crucifers, were observed feeding in pods and terminal shoots of Cleome spinosa, Cleome visosa, Cleome spp. and Gynandropsis gynandra in greater numbers almost throughout the year, in the Caribbean, Guyana (South America) and Mexico. These studies suggest that Cleome spp. are the main hosts of this genus, and it is only a secondary pest of crucifers. Hellula undalis was reproted feedding on C.viscosa in Pakistan (Alam et al. 1961-62). Munroe (1972) also stated that H. phidilealis and H.rogatalis feed on other plant families. The relative abundance of natural enemies of H.phidilealis in Cleome spp. in contrast to their paucity in cruciferous host further support this hypothesis that H.phidilealis has shifted from Cleome spp. to crucifers. Although many of the parasites recorded form Celome spp. many not readily switch to H.phidilealis on cabbages and cauliflowers, there are a number of other parasites recorded from this an other Hellula spp. on cabbage and cauliflowers, which can be introduced in countries where Hellula is a serious pest on crucifers.
Show more [+] Less [-]AGROVOC Keywords
Bibliographic information
This bibliographic record has been provided by Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute