Vegetable Crops News

Improving Control of Diamondback Moth with Bacillus thuringiensis

There are some options available to enhance the efficacy of Bt formulations for diamondback moth control, even when the moths are resistant to Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki. Cabbage growers might switch from one formulation to another with a different d-endotoxin composition, increase the dose of active ingredient, or change the application methods.

Researchers in New York explored on-farm management practices that might improve diamondback moth control. The relative resistance of the moth population makes a difference when deciding which type of Bt to use. They found that Javelin (a 6.4% a.i. formulation of B. t. var. kurstaki) was significantly more effective than XenTari (3.2% B. t. var. aizawai) against susceptible populations, but XenTari was more effective for controlling resistant populations.

Improved application technology also enhanced control; an electrostatic sprayer doubled the efficacy of XenTari compared with traditional spray applications, so a lower dose could be used.

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