The prospect of an innovative solution for diamondback moth control: Plutella xylostella granulovirus product Plutex

Abstract: Plutella xylostella is a major pest of crucifers, is distributed world-wide and alarms by its distinct ability to develop resistance to insecticides. Due to loss in susceptibility, yield losses are common, insecticides are applied in excessive amounts and significantly affect the potential of invertebrate antagonists. The newly developed product Plutex with the active ingredient Plutella xylostella granulovirus (PlxyGV) gives a new opportunity to control P. xylostella.
Plutex was tested in three open field trials in cabbage, broccoli and canola in Canada in season 2020 and 2021. In all three trials Plutex showed significant reduction of leaf or plant damage with efficacy levels comparable to the tested reference products with the active ingredients Bta or chlorantraniliprole. In the cabbage and canola trial, the different tested Plutex application rates revealed a dose-response effect. Addition of Plutex low rate to the tank with Bta significantly lowered cabbage leaf damage compared to the Bta treatment stand-alone. These trials demonstrate that Plutex is a valuable new tool for a successful management strategy of P. xylostella.