Diamondback moth larvae scouting and thresholds

Diamondback moth larvae. Notice the spindle shape — wider in the middle than at the ends. Source: Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture.
Diamondback moth larvae. Notice the spindle shape — wider in the middle than at the ends. Source: Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture.

Diamondback moth larvae are showing up in canola fields. The most accurate method to estimate diamondback moth population density is to count larvae in several locations throughout the field, and determine the average population per unit area.

To scout, pull plants in an area measuring one square foot, beat them onto a clean surface, and count the number of larvae dislodged from the plants. Scout at least five locations per field.

Action Threshold:  20 to 30 larvae per square foot at the advanced pod stage. This works out to approximately two to three larvae/plant if plant population is close to 10 per square foot.

MAFRI has updated its diamondback moth factsheet.