Yellow sticky traps as a monitoring tool for Plutella xylostella in Brassica vegetable crops

Abstract

Yellow sticky traps may be an alternative monitoring tool to monitoring plants for assessing Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) in Brassica vegetable crops (Sivapragasam & Saito 1986, Hallett et al. 1993). Previous research has shown a significant relationship between the number of moths on sticky traps and total larvae or pupae in the crop two weeks after the trap catch. A trial was designed to test if commercial yellow sticky traps could be used as an indicator for the early instars of P. xylostella in the Brassica vegetable crops in Queensland. Predicting hatching eggs and small larvae enables effective targeting of pesticide applications. Results indicate some relationships exist, however practical use may be considered costly.