Big Things Come In Small Packages...

That old saying is usually true, but in this case, you may not like what’s waiting inside.

The Department of Plant Industry (DPI) is assisting the USDA Animal Plant Health Inspection Service, Plant Protection and Quarantine (USDA APHIS PPQ) in a national survey for light brown apple moth.  Approximately 350 traps have been placed in and around nurseries, susceptible crops, and natural areas in our state to determine whether or not the moth is present in South Carolina. DPI’s role is locating the trapping sites.

Light brown apple moth (Epiphyas postvittana) is a native of Australia. The U.S. first detected it in California in 2007.  The adults are moths that are usually a yellowish-brown color, with darker brown markings on the forewings. Female light brown apple moths lay eggs on the leaves of host plants.  After hatching, the young larvae (pale yellow-green caterpillars) stay on the plant and wander until they find a suitable feeding spot, which is usually on the underside of a leaf next to a vein.  After choosing a favorable location, they spin a protective web around themselves and feed as they mature into moths.

The light brown apple moth has the potential to be one of the most devastating agricultural pests the U.S. has ever experienced. It will attack over 2000 species of plants and trees, including more than 250 fruits and vegetables. Among many other agricultural crops, stone fruits (such as peaches, plums, nectarines, cherries, and apricots) are at risk for infestation.

“The light brown apple moth’s path of destruction is not limited to farms and nurseries,” commented Christel Harden, DPI assistant department head. “Homeowners and gardeners will also be affected.  Almost every ornamental plant species is susceptible to infestation.”

South Carolina has yet to have a report of a light brown apple moth infestation, but it has been identified as a state that is at very high risk because of our favorable climate, the presence of host crops, and the fact that we import nursery stock from California.

You may have been asked to take part in the USDA APHIS PPQ survey by allowing insect traps to be placed on your property.  If you have a trap on your property, thank you for doing your part to protect South Carolina agriculture.

For further information on the light brown apple moth and the national survey, please visit aphis.usda.gov/plant_health/plant_pest_info/lba_moth/index.shtml or contact DPI.

Page maintained by: LeAnn Carver, leannc@clemson.edu