Light brown apple moth in California: Challenges for nursery operators

The light brown apple moth (LBAM) (Epiphyus postvittana) was first detected in the continental United States in Berkeley, California in March 2007.  It is classified as a high risk pest by regulatory agencies because of its potential to damage a wide range of plant species, current limited distribution in the world, and potential to harm agricultural commerce in California and the United States.  However, in the Monterey Bay area landscape and native vegetation it has not been found to be particularly destructive. Damage is usually confined to a few leaf rolls on a plant. A relatively high parasitism rate by native parasitoids may be keeping LBAM in check. Losses in the ornamental and berry crops industries are mostly related to the result of regulatory closures and associated losses of perishable berries and nursery stock sales. There have been significant production costs associated with the management of LBAM. Insecticide use has increased significantly as growers attempt to eradicate the pest and more personnel are used to increase scouting effort.