Western Australia
October 29, 2014
Sticking with the same chemical groups can lead to insecticide resistance, which increases the cost of producing a crop, the Department of Agriculture and Food is reminding growers.
Research officer Rachel Lancaster said that it was particularly important to manage resistance in diamondback moth, the main caterpillar pest in vegetable brassicas.
“Recommendations have just been published to reduce the risk of insecticide resistance and it is vital to ensure the pest does not become immune to modern insecticides,” Ms Lancaster said.
“Some populations of diamondback moth have already developed resistance to certain insecticides in Western Australia and interstate.
“To retain chemical effectiveness as long as possible it is essential to monitor crops regularly, only apply insecticides when a critical damage level is reached, and to keep rotating between chemical groups.”
Cabbages, broccoli and cauliflowers are among the popular and widely grown crops affected.
“Applying insecticides only when necessary from groups which have different modes of action is key to preventing insecticide resistance and avoiding losses,” she said.
All known commercial growers of vegetable brassicas were recently sent updated advice on recommended insecticides to control diamondback moth for different stages of crop growth.
More of these laminated cards, ideal for pinning up as a reminder, are available on request from Bunbury and Manjimup offices of the Department of Agriculture and Food.
Detailed information is also available on the DAFWA website at https://agric.wa.gov.au/n/1663 or using the search function on agric.wa.gov.au.
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