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Showing posts with the label Diamondback moth in cabbage

Diamondback moth - Plutella xylostella (Linnaeus)

Diamondback moth larva and adult The diamondback moth (DBM) is a lepidopteran insect and is of economic importance in brassicas i.e. cabbage , broccoli , brussel sprout and cauliflower. Appearace: The diamond back moth is a small, greyish brown, night fly with one-inch wingspan. When it is at rest the moth, hold its wings together, roof like, over its back. When in this position a pattern of three diamond shape spots can be seen along the top of the moth's body. The small caterpillar are 3 / 8   inch long at maturity pointed at both ends and range in colour from cabbage green to yellow. When disturbed, larvae rapidly wiggle their bodies back and forth, often causing them to fall off plants. Symptoms and effects : Diamondback moth larvae feed on Cole crop leaves between the large veins and midribs. They prefer to feed on the lower leaf surface, leaving the upper epidermis intact thereby creating a “window-panning” effect. Severe feeding damage will stunt cabbage and cauliflower