Evaluating spray coverage on brassicas with distinct plant architectures

Diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella) is a global pest of brassicas that has demonstrated the ability to develop resistance to most insecticide modes of action. Biopesticides are one tool for managing diamondback moth that do not tend to select for resistance and that may interfere less with the activity of naturally occurring diamondback moth parasitoids than conventional insecticides. However most biopesticides work primarily by contact and have short residual efficacy, making adequate coverage essential. Trials were conducted at the University of Florida’s Gulf Coast Research and Education Center using dye and paint to compare spray coverage on collards, green, red and Napa cabbage at distinct phases of crop phenology and canopy openness.