Susceptibility pattern and development of resistance in the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella L, to Bacillus thuringiensis Berl var kurstaki in India

Base‐line susceptibility for six‐day‐old larvae of the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella, against Bacillus thuringiensis var kurstaki (Biobit®) was studied by a cabbage leaf disc dip bioassay technique. Diamondback moth from 13 locations in seven different states spread over a distance of about 3000 km longitudinally was used for these studies. Forty‐eight‐hour LC50 values varied from 1.0 to 10.97 mg AI litre−1. Further investigations on the development of resistance under laboratory conditions showed an increase in LC50 from 2.76 (for unselected F1 generation) to 5.28 mg AI litre−1 (for selected F9 generation), using a selection concentration of 6.4 mg AI litre−1. This suggested a possibility of the development of resistance under field conditions if there were to be extensive and indiscriminate use of B thuringiensis. These findings are discussed in relation to integrated pest management and the mechanisms of resistance in resistance management tactics. © 2000 Society of Chemical Industry