Look out for moths on gamecover crops

With vast numbers of diamondback moths being recorded in areas of the UK this week, the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust is reminding gamekeepers and landowners to keep a close eye on game cover crops and wildlife seed mixes in order to minimise any potential damage.

Peter Thompson, Biodiversity Advisor at the GWCT, explains: “Under the Countryside Stewardship scheme’s wild bird seed mixture option it is worth remembering that the required seed mix of a minimum of three plant species is quite likely to have included at least one brassica. The food plant of diamondback moth larvae is brassicas of all sorts, and if this element of the mix is destroyed by the caterpillars then you may well be in breach of the scheme’s requirements.”

“I would therefore recommend employing the services of a qualified agronomist, who will assess any likely damage and potentially recommend a spray to control the pest. Only with this professional advice can spraying can be undertaken, with no extra need to have permission of Natural England. Despite their minute size, in large numbers these moths can create havoc, so I would suggest anyone who is concerned should seek advice.”

These insects travel to UK shores from Europe. Good breeding conditions coupled with perfect weather have led to hundreds of thousands recently being recorded. The moths normally start to arrive in June, but not on the huge scale that is being witnessed this year. Once here, they can have several broods during the summer.