The Department of Agriculture is working with Western Australian vegetable brassica producers to help prevent diamondback moth developing insecticide resistance.

An updated insecticide resistance management strategy for diamondback moth will be sent to producers in September.  The information is provided on a laminated card so it can be used in the paddock.

Department research officer Rachel Lancaster said previous versions of the insecticide resistance management strategy cards should be replaced with the new information. 

“The strategy is part of an integrated pest management program and should be used together with crop monitoring to guide management decisions for diamondback moth,” Ms Lancaster said. 

“The insecticide resistance management strategy groups different insecticides that can be used to manage diamondback moth into their modes of action. 

“It is important that producers rotate between different groups of insecticides to help prevent diamondback moth developing insecticide resistance.” 

Ms Lancaster said the insecticides had also been allocated to different ‘windows’ within the year, which assisted with preventing insecticide resistance.

“Producers should endeavour to use the insecticides that are recommended in each of the ‘windows’ at the correct time of the year,” she said. 

The insecticide resistance management strategy was developed in conjunction with the National Diamondback Moth Project and the Avcare Insecticide Resistance Action Committee. 

The national vegetable levy, through HAL (Horticulture Australia), provides funding support for the National Diamondback Moth Project.

Further information regarding the insecticide resistance management strategy and diamondback moth can be obtained from Kristen Stirling or Stewart Learmonth at the Department of Agriculture, Manjimup on 9777 0000.