Fast-tracking sex to gain control: development of SIT as a tool against light brown apple moth, Epiphyas postvittana (Walker)

The light brown apple moth (LBAM) has recently invaded northern California and become established in 15 California counties. LBAM poses a threat to agricultural crops including grapes, citrus, pome fruits, stone fruits, berry crops, as well as the ornamental nursery industry. LBAM also infests a large number of native and forest plant species, and therefore represents a threat to agricultural exports. APHIS-PPQ and CDFA are working aggressively on a cooperative program to manage this pest using an integrated pest management (IPM) approach. The SIT will be a key component of the program. A research and production facility has been established at Moss Landing, CA. Mass rearing and release techniques from on-going SIT programs for the pink bollworm, codling moth and false codling moth are being utilized and/or modified where applicable to streamline implementation.