Control of the Diamondback Moth (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) on Collard by a Nucleopolyhedrovirus with a Stilbene-based Enhancer and an Ultraviolet Light Protectant²

When we evaluated the nucleopolyhedrovirus of the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) (PxMNPV), in small plots of collard, Brassica oleracea L., artificially infested with this insect, numbers of larvae were reduced in all tests. Further reductions were obtained with the addition of a fluorescent brightener (Blankophor P167®) in both tests in which it was included. Addition of an ultraviolet light protectant (photostabilized titanium dioxide) to PxMNPV also improved control, but only when the test was conducted in May and June. Titanium dioxide had no effect when the test was conducted in September. Addition of both materials together did not improve results compared with addition of Blankophor P167 alone. No virus treatment, however, was as effective as the insecticide spinosad.