Pest management helps small farmers in North Florida battle destructive diamondback moth

By Muhammad Haseeb

The diamondback moth (DBM), Plutella xylostella, is one of the most destructive insect pests of cole crops (prefers cabbage, cauliflower, kale, and broccoli). Globally, the annual management cost of the DBM is estimated to be four to five billion dollars.

Automatic trap for diamondback moth monitoring.   Dr. Muhammad Haseeb

The DBM was the first pest reported to be resistant to the insecticide DDT. Now, in many crucifer producing areas including north Florida, it has shown significant resistance to almost every synthetic insecticide (pyrethroids and carbamates) including biopesticides and insect growth regulators (IGRs) applied in the open field. As a result, outbreaks of this pest in north Florida and neighboring states are possible.

In certain parts of the world, the economical production of crucifers has become almost impossible due to pesticide resistance. Indeed, increased efforts worldwide have been undertaken to develop integrated pest management (IPM) programs based on biological control tactics using predators, parasitoids, and pathogens.

Although over 130 parasitoid species are known to attack various life stages of the DBM, most control worldwide is achieved by relatively few insect species. The DBM populations native to different regions have genetic and biological differences, and specific parasitoid strains may be associated with the specific DBM strains. Some of these biological control agents are native to Florida, but others are exotic species and need classical biocontrol.

In addition, bacteria-derived products, such as crystal toxins from Bacillus thuringiensis, are increasingly being applied or investigated for biological control of the DBM. Viruses, nematodes, and microsporidia also have the potential as biopesticides for the DBM.

Because there is no one silver bullet to control the DBM in cole crop production systems (conventional, organic, or natural) in open or protected production (green houses and high tunnels) in Florida, many small farm producers need IPM-based solutions to manage this severe pest. This brief guideline was developed to provide IPM-based solutions to cole crop growers to control the DBM in north Florida effectively.

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