Diamondback moth caterpillars are resistant to some insecticides. To determine which insecticides are best to use in South Carolina, Clemson Extension commercial horticulture agent Justin Ballew is leading a study that involves conducting resistance screenings.
Clemson Extension experts advise growers to plan attack against diamondback moth caterpillars
“This is a great test we can do to help determine which insecticides show the best efficacy in fields,” Ballew said.
This is no charge for this service, which involves collecting 100 caterpillars from each field and exposing them to one of 10 different treatments. Based on the results, agents can determine which insecticides work and which insecticides particular populations may have developed resistance to. It takes three days to get the results back.
“Because this test requires collecting 100 caterpillars, there needs to be a decent-sized population present to conduct the test,” Ballew said.
For information, or to participate in this study, contact Ballew at 803-359-8515 ext. 122, or ballew3@clemson.edu. Other agents in the study include: Charleston County Agent Zack Snipes; Lalo Toledo, area Extension horticulture agent in Orangeburg, and Sarah Scott, commercial horticulture agent for Edgefield County.
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