Diamondback moth

Plutella xylostella click for html version

Other common names: cabbage moth, DBM

Summary:

Diamondback moths are 10 mm long and grey-brown in colour with a white uneven stripe down the
centre of their back. Larvae are small yellow-green caterpillars and are a major pest of canola and
other brassica crops. There are significant issues with insecticide resistance. Biological control by
small parasitic wasps (Diadegma semiclausum, Apanteles ippeus and Diadromus collaris) is most
important.

Insecticide resistance in diamondback moth is a significant issue.

Occurrence:

Diamondback moths are distributed across Australia, but are most common in southern states.
Although they can be found throughout the year, they are most abundant in canola crops during
spring.

Description:

Diamondback moths, also referred to as DBM or cabbage moths, are 10 mm long and grey-brown in
colour with a white uneven stripe down the centre of their back. When the moths are at rest this
uneven shape forms a ‘diamond’ pattern on their wings. They have beak-like mouthparts. Eggs are
pale yellow, oval and about 0.5 mm long. Larvae are pale yellowish-green in colour, can grow up to
10mm in length and have a body shape that is slightly tapered at each end. The 2nd and 3rd instar
larvae have a dark head. Pupae are a cream-green colour, which darkens before the adult moth
emerges.
Diamondback moth adult (left) (Source: SARDI) and larvae feeding on leaves (right) (Source: cesar)

Distinguishing characteristics/description of the diamondback moth (Source: Bellati et al. 2012)

 Diamondback moth pupae with loose silk cocoons (left); Eggs (right) (Source: SARDI)

Lifecycle:

Female DBM lay more than 100 eggs in their lifetime, either singularly or in clusters along leaf veins,
shortly after mating. Eggs hatch in about 4-6 days. 1st instars tunnel into leaf tissue. Larvae go
through four instar stages before they pupate. The rate of development from eggs to moths
depends on temperature; faster in warm weather and slower in cool weather. At 28°C the lifecycle
takes 14 days, whereas at 12°C the lifecycle takes more than 100 days.

Behaviour:

Adults are active at dusk and during the night, and usually do not move far within a crop. They can
migrate long distances on winds. First instars are not visible as they live and feed inside leaf tissue.
2nd and 3rd instars feed on the leaf surface, usually on the undersides, or on developing flowers, and
wriggle vigorously when disturbed.

Summer rainfall stimulates the growth of a green bridge for DBM survival, especially wild
radish, Lincoln weed and volunteer canola.

Similar to:

Small larvae may be confused with cabbage centre grub, vegetable looper, native budworm and
cabbage white butterfly caterpillars. They also superficially resemble beneficial hover fly larvae.

Crops attacked:

Canola and other brassica crops. Alternative hosts include wild radish and Lincoln weed.

Damage:

Small larvae feed on leaves, producing ‘windows’ and small holes in the leaves. Feeding is often
concentrated on the underside of leaves. Older larvae graze on stems and pods. As flowering
progresses, increasing numbers of larvae move to the floral buds, flowers and pods. Larvae may feed
on small young pods while mature pods are usually only surface grazed. Heavy infestations can
cause severe defoliation, which can reduce crop yields. Canola can tolerate considerable foliar
feeding damage without impacting yield.
 Larvae feeding damage to foliage (Source: SARDI)

Monitoring:

Canola should be monitored from late winter to late spring/early summer. Search for the presence
of larvae on leaves, buds and flowers, especially during flowering and podding. Sample crops by
sweep netting. Take a minimum of 5 sets of 10 sweeps in several parts of the crop and calculate the
average number of the larvae per 10 sweeps. If no diamondback moth are detected the crop should
be monitored again in a fortnight.

It is important to re-monitor 5-7 days after a spray treatment.

Economic thresholds:

Canola:
 Australia wide: >10 larvae per 10 sweeps for pre-early flowering, >50 larvae
 per 10 sweeps for early-mid flowering through to pod formation, and >100 larvae per 10
sweeps for late flowering through to podding (GRDC 2010).

Management options:

Biological:
Small parasitic wasps (Diadegma semiclausum, Apanteles ippeus and Diadromus collaris) are most
important. Other generalist predators include brown lacewings, spiders and damsel bugs. Naturally
occurring fungal diseases may be significant under certain conditions (rainfall, high humidity & warm
temperatures). The disease Zoophthora radicans can cause >90% mortality in DBM populations.
DBM parasitoid wasp Diadegma semiclausum (left) and DBM parasitoid wasp Apanteles ippeus (right) (Source:
SARDI)
DBM pupae parasitized by Diadegma semiclausum are distinguishable visually from unparasitised
healthy pupae.

Weather conditions can dramatically affect populations. Greater than 5-8 mm of rain in 24 hours
can reduce larvae numbers as they are dislodged and drowned or killed by disease.

Cultural:
Control summer and autumn weeds in and around paddocks to reduce the survival of larval
populations.

Chemical:
There are several insecticides registered. Diamondback moths can evolve insecticide resistance
readily and some populations are difficult to control with insecticides. No single insecticide
application will completely eliminate the population. In years when populations are large, a two-
spray strategy is recommended. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is an effective insecticide on diamondback
moth and is a ‘soft’ chemical on natural enemies. Apply Bt late in the day or early evening to
minimize UV breakdown, and ensure the insecticide is applied within 2 hours of mixing.

When using agricultural chemicals always read the label or permit. Only use products registered
for the targeted crop. Do not exceed the maximum crop rate. Adhere to the withholding period.

Acknowledgements:

This article was compiled by Greg Baker and Bill Kimber (SARDI) and Paul Umina (cesar).

References/Further reading:

Bailey PT. 2007. Pests of field crops and pastures: Identification and Control. CSIRO Publishing, Melbourne, Australia.
Baker G. 2001. Monitoring canola crops for cabbage moth. PIRSA Fact Sheet 144/620.
Dosdall LM, Soroka JJ, Olfert O. 2011. The Diamondback moth in canola and mustard: Current pest status and future
prospects. Prairie Soils & Crops Journal 4: 66-76.
Henry K and Baker G. 2008. Diamondback moth in canola. FS/03/08. South Australian Research and Development Institute,
Primary Industries and Resources South Australia.
GRDC. 2010. Diamondback moth a sporadic but serious pest. Western and Southern Regions Factsheet.
Walden K, Mangano P, Baker G and Umina P. 2010. Diamond back moth in canola. GRDC FactSheet. Coretext.
Version control:

Date Version Compiled by Reviewed By

January 2015 1.0 Greg Baker and Bill Kimber, Garry McDonald, cesar
SARDI

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