Biological control of diamondback moth

Biocontrol of this ubiquitous brassica pest is highly effective, and can save you a considerable sum as well as much effort, says Bill Kerr.

- Bill Kerr

As noted last week, not for nothing is the diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella; DBM) also known as the cabbage moth. It is probably the world’s most notorious brassica pest. The good news is that it can be controlled effectively by natural means – biocontrol – which will save you a great deal of money and effort.

You can achieve full control even with mineral deposits on the leaves. These often neutralise or reduce the efficacy of sprayed pesticides.

BIOCONTROL NOT SUPPORTED

There is a good reason why biocontrol is not generally known about. Pesticide representatives are only trained how to use pesticides to control their pests, so they can sell the products to farmers.