An Update on Diamondback Moths

Photo courtesy of UF/IFAS

Gary England, a regional specialized Extension agent and director of the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Hastings Agricultural Extension Center, and UF/IFAS Assistant Professor Hugh Smith are starting a second research trial on diamondback moths.

In previous seasons, the diamondback moth has been a concern for cabbage, collard greens and Asian vegetables. The main purpose for the trials is to determine an effective pesticide to fend off these pests. England was a part of the first trial that took place in the fall. However, he says there were not many results from that trial that stood out due to the low insect pressure.

England and Smith started the second trial in early February. This trial focuses mainly on cabbage and collard greens. England says that pest pressure is already being seen. “I see holes in the leaves, which tells me that there’s pests out there,” he says. England is expecting much higher pressure during this trial because of the hotter weather conditions.

Until the results are gathered from the second trial, which ends in March, England suggests growers keep up pesticide use to resist diamondback moths.

About the Author

Abbey Taylor

Editor of VSCNews magazine and farm broadcaster

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Sep / 2023