Is the diamondback moth a pest?
The diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella) is the most destructive insect pest of brassica crops across the world. Its host plants include: brassica vegetable and forage crops. cruciferous weeds.
Why are diamondback moths bad?
Diamondback moths are pests that attack all plants in the cabbage family. The larvae do the most damage, eating through the leaves and potentially destroying your veggies. If you’re growing brassicas and you have some pest damage, you might have a diamondback moth problem.
How do you control diamondback moths?
Mixtures of chemical insecticides, or chemicals and microbials, are often recommended for diamondback moth control. This is due partly to the widespread occurrence of resistance, but also because pest complexes often plague crucifer crops, and the insects vary in susceptibility to individual insecticides.
What do diamondback moth eat?
Host Plants Caterpillars of the diamondback moth feed almost exclusively on cole crops such as broccoli, cabbage and kale (also ornamental varieties) in the vegetable garden and in commercial greenhouses.
Where do diamondback moth lay eggs?
Diamondback moths exhibit complete metamorphosis, and often go through three generations per season. Eggs are laid on the undersides of leaves, giving rise to larvae in just a few days.
What is the best insecticide for diamondback moth?
Biological insecticides containing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) have been shown to be effective against DBM. Follow Bt application directions to ensure best results and rotate insecticides as per crop and regional resistance management guidelines.
How can you tell a diamondback moth?
The posterior end of the caterpillar is forked. At maturity the larvae are cigar-shaped and about 12 millimetres (0.5 inch) long. The diamondback moth larva is easily identified by its peculiar reaction to being disturbed. It will wriggle backward violently and may drop from the plant, suspended by a silken thread.
How many eggs does a diamondback moth lay?
Female DBM lay more than 100 eggs in their lifetime, either singularly or in clusters along leaf veins, shortly after mating. Eggs hatch in about 4-6 days. 1st instars tunnel into leaf tissue. Larvae go through four instar stages before they pupate.
What is the life cycle of a diamondback moth?
Life Cycle. Diamondback moth has four life stages: egg, larva, pupa and adult. Crop damage is caused by the larval stage. Normally, the diamondback moth takes about 32 days to develop from egg to adult.
What do diamondback moth eggs look like?
Diamondback moth eggs are laid mainly on upper leaf surfaces 6 and hatch in four to eight days. Eggs are oval, yellowish-white and tiny. They are glued to the upper and lower leaf surfaces individually or in groups of two or three, usually along the veins or where the leaf surface is uneven.
What kills diamondback moth?
Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is an effective insecticide on diamondback moth and is a ‘soft’ chemical on natural enemies. Apply Bt late in the day or early evening to minimize UV breakdown, and ensure the insecticide is applied within 2 hours of mixing.