Diamondback moth update
- Geraldton
- Dalwallinu
- Ballidu
- Mundaring
Crop protection officer Bonnie Jupp (DPIRD) has reported finding diamondback moth adults and caterpillars (DBM) in a canola trial site at the Geraldton DPIRD Research Station. There were less than 10 caterpillars per 10 sweeps.
Clare Johnston (Elders) has found a few patches of DBM caterpillars (and aphids) in a late flowering GT50 canola crop near Dalwallinu.
Ty Henning (TekAg) found 150-200 DBM caterpillars per 10 sweeps in a late flowering/podding canola crop near Ballidu last week. High populations of green peach aphids were further stressing the already moisture-stressed plants and management considerations were concerning given the low yield expectation and the cost of control.
Entomologist Dusty Severtson (DPIRD) has reported finding DBM in an early flowering canola crop near Mundaring. There were less than 10 caterpillars per 10 sweeps.
To monitor for DBM, it is recommended that at least four lots of 10 sweeps with an insect net are taken at various locations in each crop.
For more information on DBM thresholds in advancing canola crops and how to manage DBM refer to the 2017 PestFax Issue 20 article Diamondback moth activity.
For more information refer to the department's Diagnosing diamondback moth and GRDC's Diamondback moth factsheet.
For insecticide options refer to the departments Winter/Spring Insecticide Guide 2017.
For more information on DBM contact Alan Lord, Technical Officer, South Perth on +61 (0)8 9368 3758 or Dustin Severtson, Development Officer, South Perth on +61 (0)8 9368 3249.