Decline of cabbage production in Barbados: causes and solutions

Since 1980 there have been marked declines in cabbage production in the area planted under cabbage in Barbados. It is likely that these were in response to the development of insecticide resistance in the major pest of Brassica in the island, the diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella). Data are presented on levels of insecticide resistance in P. xylostella and minimal insecticide resistance in its parasitoid Cotesia plutella. Strategies for managing insecticide resistance are discussed and results from trials conducted with new and novel insecticides are presented