Brassica patch geometry and adjacent matrix and Plutella

In this paper, we investigate the relationship between brassica horticultural plot shape and the adjacent land use on the abundance of P. xylostella and its chances to be parasitized. Samples were collected from brassica plots during spring. Landscape metrics of the study area were estimated using Landsat images. We found a negative relationship between the pest and perimeter-to-area ratio of the brassica plot, and positive with land cover estimated from Landsat images. The proportion of parasitized immatures showed the opposite relationship with the same variables. Implications of these findings are discussed