Hugh Smith. Photo courtesy of UF/IFAS.
Hugh Smith, assistant professor of vegetable entomology at the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, recently completed research on diamondback moth patterns and insecticides to try to combat these pests.
In previous seasons, the diamondback moth has been a concern for cabbage, collard greens and Asian vegetables. Smith said it was nearly impossible to control diamondback moths last year across Florida and into southern Georgia. The main issue with diamondback moths is that they can easily become resistant to certain types of pesticides, which is why Smith has been working on resistance. “We’re trying to see what’s the best placement of all the different tools we have available,” he explained.
Smith shared that most of the products he tested showed promise. One of the biggest concerns with pesticide application for diamondback moth is the placement of systemic insecticides. He looked deeply into an insecticide, Cyazypyr, which has been available for several years. Cyazypyr seemed to work well against diamondbacks. Smith said growers can apply Cyazypyr early on at planting or it can be applied as a foliar insecticide over the top of the crop.
Gary England, a regional specialized Extension agent at the UF/IFAS Hastings Agricultural Extension Center, also completed a trial on diamondback moth back in March. Unfortunately, because of low pest pressure, his results were insufficient.
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