Diamondback Moth (DBM) in crucifers was initially found in Europe but is now common in America, Asia, Australia, etc. The moth is greyish-brown in colour with a protruding antenna. It has light-coloured diamond shapes on its back and thus the name Diamondback moth. These moths are weak fliers and cannot fly more than 2 m from the ground. These moths attack all types of cruciferous plants affecting their quality and preventing their head formation.
Symptoms
The larvae of the moth feed on the foliage on its lower surface causing the upper surface to look translucent. The plants end up having several such translucent spots and holes as the worms eat the leaf parts.
The moth larvae eat only the minor leaves but the adults feed on any or all parts of the plant. An excessive number of larvae and their increase in the feed may lead to a complete elimination of the foliage which leaves only the veins of these leaves. Sometimes, their caterpillars enter the produce making it unfit for consumption thus nullifying its value.
Preventive Measures
- The primary preventive measure is to choose quality seeds and plant them in protected conditions.
- Make sure to sow the seeds in a weed-free land and ensure proper maintenance to keep the weeds away.
- Practices such as crop rotation, trap cropping, and intercropping will break the growth cycle of the moth and thus can reduce their invasion or repel them effectively.
Chemical Control
- Keefun insecticide is Tolfenpyrad 15% EC and is highly effective against various insects including the Diamondback moth. It prevents the insects from biting, sucking, and chewing on the plant parts. You can dilute the solution in water at 1.5 – 2 ml of solution in 1 litre of water.
- Cigna insecticide is technically 5.4% EC Lufenuron, a growth inhibitor against insects. It can inhibit chitin synthesis in case the moth comes in contact with the foliage. It is completely safe to use on cruciferous vegetables. The dilution proportion is 1.5-2 ml/litre of water.
- Intrepid insecticide contains 10% Chlorfenapyr SC and is effective on a wide range of insects and mites. This can effectively control the invasion of moths on the underside of the leaves. The dilution ratio is 1.5 ml/litre of water.
Conclusion
These chemical controls are highly effective against even the resistant varieties of Diamondback moths. We have shared the right information with you to protect cabbage crop from diamond back moth pest. We hope that this information will be helpful for you. To get all kinds of information related to such crops visit our website https://kisanvedika.bighaat.com/ or give a missed call on our toll free number 1800 3000 2434.
Note: The information contained herein is for informational purposes only. Nothing herein shall be construed to be financial or legal advice. Pesticides are a considerable risk of loss in crops and viewers are advised to do their own research before making any decisions.
