Turnip Moth, Agrotis segetum

Russell IPM manufactures and supplies pheromone lures, traps and complete monitoring systems for Turnip moth, Agrotis segatum. Pheromone trap data give early warning of the infestation and also will alert the user to low level of populations before they become serious.

40 mm wingspan; dark brown fore wings with, in the middle, a uniform spot and a clearer circular spot. The hind wings are white in the male and grey in the female. The periphery of the wings bears a thin black border larva: 45 to 50 mm, reddish head, greyish body with two parallel longitudinal lines in the middle region. On each segment, 2 small black spots at the front and two at the back, bearing a small bristle as well.

Nature of Damage

The young caterpillar first nibbles the wild plants and then attacks the neighbouring cultivated species. It feeds at night, gnawing the foliage and cutting the petioles. During the day, it conceals itself by rolling up under a lump of earth or at a slight depth in the ground.

Image: Larval damage of Agrotis sagetum in lettuce (Photo full credit to inra.fr)

Pheromone Trap application guidelines

The following notes are guidelines of general nature and meant to give the user a head start in implementing pheromone monitoring programme. Local conditions and practices can very and can lead to customisation of the programme.

Trap selection

The Delta trap  is most sensitive trap to use for monitoring this insect. However, Moth catcher  may be used in dusty condition or in high moth population density. Do not re-use the trap to monitor different insects as this may lead to mixed catches. Trap density Two traps per hectare ( 2 traps / ha) for small holdings and in field of uneven topography. One trap for every two hectares of large scale fields of homogenous lands. Trap position Near the highest point of the plant using supporting posts approximately 1 meter high or higher if the crop is higher. Trap data and interpretation Collect date weekly from the start of the flight of the over wintering generation.. During the height of the population more frequent reading may be needed. Decisions on pesticide application should not be taken solely on the trap catch data. Climatic and biological considerations should be taken in account.  

Lures

Lures can be changed every 4-6 weeks to get the most accurate results.

Lures handling 

Pheromone lures are very sensitive tool. They can be affected by exposure to elevated heat and direct sunshine. Direct touching by hand may cause cross contamination leading to mixed catches in the trap. Some contaminants such as Nicotine may have repellent effect reducing trap catch.

Lure Storage

Cool dry place. Shelf life can very from 3-36 months depending on the storage temperature.  See Technical Data Sheet for further details.