Risk-Based Inspection of Brassica Transplants to Prevent Diamondback Moth Introduction into Arizona

Preventing diamondback moth introductions is far more effective, and far less costly, than attempting to manage resistant populations after they become established in desert brassica production systems. Arizona receives thousands of acres of brassica transplants from coastal California each year, creating opportunities for diamondback moth (DBM) to enter commercial production systems before crops are established. Recent detections of DBM on transplant shipments have highlighted the need to strengthen prevention efforts at the point of entry rather than relying solely on management after planting.