New Pest Response Guidelines - Phytosanitary Resources

Noctuidae: Spodopotera
Chapter 6. Control
(1997) found that treating newly-hatched larvae with persin resulted in less
weight gain and greater mortality.
Bacillus thuringiensis var. Kurstaki
Bacillus thuringiensis var. Kurstaki (BT) is a bacterium active against the
larval stage of many Lepidoptera. It is formulated as an insecticide. When an
insect ingests BT, its digestive system fails. Follow these guidelines for
successful control when using BT:
• Apply when larvae are small
• Apply when temperatures are mild and larvae are actively feeding
• Apply the proper concentration of formula
Application of other cultural controls
Flood fields
Cultural controls are not suitable for eradicating this pest. However, a
combination of cultural and biological control methods may be useful for
managing the pest in non-emergency situations. Cultural control may be
subject to obtaining environmental documentation under the National
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
Check with the program manager to make sure documentation is in order.
Flood a crop field and allow the water to remain for at least 2 days. Pupae will
suffocate (El Amin and Ahmed 1991).
Build barriers
Contain larvae in a severe infestation by plowing a deep furrow around the
infested area or field. The furrow should have straight vertical sides to prevent
larvae from crawling out. Dig postholes at a depth of least 1-foot and at a
distance of 20 feet apart in the furrow. Destroy larvae trapped in the postholes
with soapy water or kerosene. Keep furrows clear of rubbish.
Augment with pheromones
Hang sticky traps baited with slow-release pheromones to interfere with
successful mate-seeking (Campion and Murlis 1985).
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