Since all of its life stages are exposed on the surface of the host plant, many natural enemies attack DBM. This helps to reduce pest damage considerably.

Among nearly 40 species of parasites, five species are especially important. These include Diadegma semiclausum (shown here), Cotesia plutellae, Oomyzus sokolowskill, Diadromus collaris and Microplitis plutellae. Establishment of one or more of these species in an area can give satisfactory control of DBM on a sustainable basis without the use of pesticides. This guide gives information on how to rear these five parasites.

The first step is to grow the host plants ...