A network that helps people worldwide obtain rapid advice and information on crop protection, including the identification and management of plant pests.
PestNet is a network that helps people worldwide obtain rapid advice and information on crop protection, including the identification and management of plant pests. It started in 1999. Anyone with an interest in plant protection is welcome to join. PestNet is free and is moderated, ensuring that messages are confined to plant protection.
Pests > Pest Management > Chemical control > “Soft” insecticides > Bt, Maruca testularis, Am Samoa
July 2006. American Samoa asked about the control of Maruca testulalis (now known as M. vitrata), especially with insecticides that are US EPA registered.
Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki was suggested as an alternative to synthetic chemicals, and there are a number of non-chemical treatments on the Internet, e.g.:
It was pointed that that this insect is difficult to control with insecticides as the larvae live inside young legume pods. Apart from some hymenopterous parasitoids, the best bet for control may lie in finding an attractant for the moth.
