Lechuga
How to recognize and combat diamondback moths in lettuce
Diamondback Moth
Insect
Type:
Risk to the plant:
HIGH
Plutella Xylostella
Pathogen:
Polillas
WHO CAUSES IT?
Plutella xylostella, known as the diamondback moth, is a lepidopteran insect that mainly attacks crucifers, but can also infest other crops such as lettuce. This insect is small, approximately 8-10 mm in wingspan, with narrow forewings and a characteristic diamond-shaped white stripe on its back. The females lay their eggs on the underside of the leaves, from where the larvae emerge after a few days. The larvae go through four larval stages, feeding voraciously on leaf tissue, and upon completing their development, they become pupae wrapped in a silky cocoon. This phase lasts about a week, after which the adults emerge. Adult moths are highly mobile and capable of flying long distances, which contributes to the rapid spread of the pest.
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SYMPTOMS
In lettuce, Plutella xylostella causes significant damage due to the feeding of its larvae, which pierce and consume the leaf tissue, leaving holes and damaging the structure of the leaves. This not only affects the appearance and quality of the crop, but can also reduce its yield.
- Irregular holes in the leaves.
- Loss of leaf tissue.
- Skeletal or partially transparent leaves.
- Aesthetic damage that reduces the commercial value of the lettuce.
- Presence of larval excrement on the leaves.
- Reduction in plant growth.
DEVELOPMENT CONDITIONS
Temperature:
15°C - 30°C
Humidity:
50% - 80%
HOW IS IT SPREAD?
Wind, Direct contact between plants, Transport of infested plants, Movement of contaminated agricultural machinery, Flying adult moths
HOW TO ELIMINATE IT?
Home treatments
There are no home treatments
Natural allies
Chemical treatments
There are no treatments for this disease. Treatments are directed at the insect vectors that transmit it. See insect treatments.
RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS TO ELIMINATE THE PEST
REPELLENT PLANTS
RECOMMENDATIONS
OTHER PESTS THAT MAY INTEREST YOU
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