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Caterpillar Killer

A naturally occurring and environmentally safe fungus could provide the answer to a serious pest of brassicas -- vegetables such as cabbage and cauliflower.

HortResearch scientist Dr Max Suckling and his group at Lincoln are developing a new way to use the fungus to control the diamondback moth.

"The pest has already developed resistance to chemical pesticides in many countries including New Zealand, and new systems need to be put in place if we are to have any chance of controlling it in the future," Suckling says.

A new approach to pest management, using sex pheromone attractants and the fungus disease, are being trialled. Male moths are lured to a trap station where they pick up the fungus. The moths are then free to leave the station and carry the fungus back to the population at large.

"The method adds value to the biopesticidal action," Suckling says.

The group are collaborating with Dr Judith Pell from Rothamsted Research Station in the United Kingdom, who has already developed a way of introducing the fungus disease into diamondback moth populations in Malaysia. A grant from the C. Alma Baker Fellowship has allowed Pell to visit New Zealand.

As the fungus thrives under cooler, wetter conditions than have been found on the east coast this season, the scientists are visiting the West Coast to prospect for new fungus strains.

"We need to hear from anybody who grows brassicas, either as vegetables or for forage, who has noticed diseased caterpillars or moths on their plants," Suckling says. The caterpillars and moths look yellow when infected.