Brassica growers facing crop losses from the Diamondback moth can now use insecticide Benevia 10OD after it was granted a new 120-day EAMU (Extension of Authorisation for Minor Use).
The product can be used on Brussel sprouts, broccoli, calabrese, cabbage and cauliflower for the control of DBM (Plutella xylostella) after the pest was identified as a priority for UK brassica growers.
Growers have been struggling with a Diamondback moth infestation, whichhas been causing significant damage to brassica crops as the pest is resistant to most pesticides.
Diamondback moth is a relatively small moth so the eggs can be hard to find. Newly-hatched caterpillars burrow into foliage to feed, before coming out onto the leaf surface as they grow larger and cause characteristic ‘windowpane’ damage.
Vivian Powell, a crop protection senior scientist who helped organise the EAMU alongside the Brassica Growers’ Association, said: “It is great that we worked with growers, regulators and the manufacturer to obtain use of this new product that will help them alleviate issues with Diamondback moth. Our work is all about finding the solutions to problems that work effectively and efficiently and which can be integrated into IPM strategies.”
The AHDB-funded Pest Bulletin has been monitoring Diamondback moth populations, identifying high numbers during June and July.
Dr Rosemary Collier, director of the Warwick Crop Centre, said: “This is an important service for growers and we have been providing key intelligence on the major pests of vegetable crops by forecasting and monitoring fluctuations in pest numbers. This information provides guidance for growers as to when specific control measures need to be put in place.”
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