AHDB has warned that an influx of diamondback moths which arrived in the UK last week might be comparable to the devastating infestation seen in 2016, based on data shared on social media.
Dr. Dawn Teverson, AHDB Knowledge Exchange Manager, said, “The moths are a migratory pest, so we monitor activity in Europe to predict when they may arrive in the UK. Social media is a useful tool to help us give growers advance warning that they need to manage their crops for this potentially damaging pest.”
AHDB points out that during the 2016 influx Christmas sprout and kale crops were particularly badly hit, with growers experiencing around 15-20 per cent yield loss.
Research from Rothamsted has shown diamondback moths are now resistant to pyrethroid insecticides, which are often the first choice for farmers to protect against moth pests. AHDB’s Crop Protection Senior Scientist, Bolette Palle Neve, warned, “We know the arrival of significant numbers of diamondback moths is a big concern for brassica growers. However, it’s important growers do not turn to pyrethroids to protect their crop, as they are likely to have little effect on the moths and could affect insects which naturally attack them.”
Grower Will Illife of Southern England Farms said the moths were “everywhere”. As you walk through the crops, it seems like there are thousands flying up.” National numbers of sightings of diamondback moths can be tracked at: http://bit.ly/diamondbackmoths.
Photo caption: AHDB