A new invasive insect pest in Georgia, the European pepper moth, Duponchelia fovealis

Summary

The European pepper moth (EPM), Duponchelia fovealis Zeller, is a brand new invasive Lepidopteran pest of vegetables (peppers) and greenhouse ornamental crops in Georgia. It was first detected near Savannah Georgia by USDA APHIS PPQ in October 2010 and we have continued the survey for various pepper production regions in Georgia. It has the potential to be a major crop pest in vegetables and ornamentals.

Situation

The larvae of European pepper moth (EPM) cause damage to the plant by boring into the stem and fruit, typically in the top two centimeters of soil, causing the host plant to wilt. This pest has already spread through Florida where is has been detected as far north as Jacksonville, FL. Our survey shows that it can be detected as far north as Oconee County at the present time and is present in high numbers in Grady County where there is extensive pepper production. The pest is also in California. Recently a EPM National Task Force was formed and Georgia is represented by D. Riley. Since this is a common pest in Europe, we expect it will become well established in the USA and we need to know how to monitor and manage this new pest.

Response

The first response was simply to survey sites in Georgia based on the availability of known host material at a site for EPM and the presence of wet organic mulch which can serve as a habitat for this pest. At each site, delta-wing type traps were baited with one rubber septa containing a pheromone lure specific to D. fovealis, and suspended within the perimeter of high-risk locations. Traps were placed in open areas with good air-flow at approximately two meters in height. The GPS coordinates were recorded for all traps, and a unique code identifying the trap were assigned. Traps were checked on two-week intervals for the presence of the moth. Lures will be replaced once every two months as this survey progresses. Suspicious specimens were counted, collected and submitted to identifiers at FDACS-DPI in Gainesville, Florida for identification. So far, we have confirmations in ten counties in Georgia. A report has been submitted to the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association on both the survey results and on one control study that suggests that spinosad might provide some control. It does not appear to be an economic problem in pepper at the current time and is more of a contamination problem in potted plants in ornamental nurseries.

Impact

The first phase of this project is simply to alert county agents and growers to the possibility of a new pest in their crops that has not been seen before in Georgia. So far the survey has been well received and we documented the invasion process of EPM in 10 Georgia counties. The initial concern for this new invasive insect pests in our State has subsided somewhat since no documented damage occurred in commercial pepper fields. As a contaminant, it will likely increase as a problem in the potted lantana plant industry, but does not appear to be difficult to control. Bifenthrin use as a potted media treatment seems to aggravate EPM populations.

State Issue

Agricultural Profitability and Sustainability

Details

• Year: 2012
• Geographic Scope: Multi-State/Regional
• County: Tift
• Program Areas:
  • Agriculture & Natural Resources