The diamondback moth (DBM), Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), is one of the most destructive cosmopolitan insect pests of brassicaceous crops. It is well known for its ability to develop resistance to insecticides. In the most important producing regions of the world, it has become resistance to nearly every synthetic insecticide available in the field. Brassicae markets usually have zero tolerance for crop damage, and this leads to increased insecticide use, increased costs, insecticide resistance development and, ultimately, loss of pest control and increased crop loss. In Georgia, Brassicae growers can make as many as 20 insecticide applications per crop cycle of 70-100 days for the control of this serious pest. Currently, growers are faced with highly resistant and damaging field populations and very limited alternatives for DBM management. Laboratory bioassays and field trials with a a new baculovirus-based insecticide (MOA Group 31) have been conducted in Spring and Summer of 2021 and demonstrate potential for this biological insecticide as a novel IPM tool to incorporate in DBM resistance management programs. The intrinsic insecticidal potency and speed of kill of this product against DBM has been characterized in different larval stages. The results of both field and laboratory efficacy evaluations will be discussed.
