In response to the recent outbreaks of Diamondback moth (DBM) , Plutella xylostella in Yuma, we have established a pheromone trap network designed to monitor the activity and movement of adult populations of DBM. PCAs have had difficulty controlling DBM in cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower since October. Wing Traps with DBM pheromone lures have been placed in Roll, Wellton, Dome Valley, Gila Valley and Yuma Valley in locations where Cole crops are presently being grown, or in areas where infestations were known to occur this fall. The data we collect is not intended to indicate field infestations, as trap data is largely a reflection of adult movement. The data may reflect emergence/ activity of adults in adjacent fields with known infestations, or provide an indication that DBM may be moving into fields not previously infested. If nothing else, the data may make PCAs aware of increased pest activity in some areas and encourage intensified scouting in susceptible produce fields. DBM are still active in many fields, and most recently we’ve observed that populations are beginning to spread into direct-seeded crops that were not previously effected by DBM. For this reason, we are tracking moth activity to monitor their activity relative weather conditions and crops sources. We have a historical perspective of DBM activity in Yuma. From 1998-2000, we established a pheromone trap network during the winter and spring in Yuma which included DBM. Not surprisingly during that 2-year trapping period DBM counts never exceed 6 moths/trap/day at any time during the spring season. DBM have historically been a secondary pest, that may cause issues in spring cabbage crops. However, in just the few weeks we’ve been trapping DBM since Dec 20, we’ve had four trap locations where DBM counts have exceeded 10 moths/trap/day and in one location (Co. 9th and Ave F) over 25 moths /day were recorded. These traps were all located in the Yuma Valley, stretching from Co. 21st up to Co. 9th street. We will continue to monitor DBM trap activity throughout the season, as well as trap population activity throughout the summer to determine whether DBM is active when brassica crops are not available. This may give us an indication of the potential for more problems going into next season. From a historical perspective, trap counts during the summer of 1999 in the Yuma Valley occasionally caught DBM moths in traps at low levels (0.2-1.2 moths/trap/night from July-August). We concluded at that time that many of the DBM captured may have come in with transplants, as we were uncertain whether DBM was capable of over summering in the desert in the absence of brassica crops. We hope to gain more insight into the pest’s activity during summer months in Yuma this year by actively trapping throughout the area. For access to DBM trap counts please visit Areawide Diamondback Moth Trapping Network.

Diamondback in Yuma, AZ

Remember, When in Doubt . . . . . “SCOUT”

Click picture to listen to John’s update

To contact John Palumbo go to:jpalumbo@ag.arizona.edu

For questions or comments on any of the topics please contact Marco Pena at the Yuma Agricultural Center.
College of Agriculture, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ.