Markon inspectors are observing pockets of increased Diamondback Moth (DBM) activity throughout California’s Salinas Valley. This pest has run rampant over the past few years and tends to become a big problem for growers in the late summer/early fall months as temperatures heat up. The recent and upcoming forecasts predict favorable conditions for DBM, so continual monitoring and best-lot allocation for Markon commodity and value-added orders will be part of our weekly strategy.

For more background, DBM is a common pest that gravitates towards cole crops such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, and kale. In recent years, DBM populations have grown to above-normal levels due to back-to-back mild winters and increased resistance to the limited chemical treatments that are available to California growers. Although current populations are not significantly high, the above-mentioned crops could start to be impacted consistently throughout the rest of the Salinas growing season.

Please contact your Markon Account Manager for more information.

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