light brown apple moth survey: 2005
Light brown apple moth (Epiphyas postvittana) has a wide host range and has been reported to feed on at least 73 plant species from 27 families, although economic damage occurs most frequently on apples (USDA/APHIS/PPQ pest Detection Manual). Over the past 10 years, Kentucky has been developing apples as an alternative crop to tobacco. For example, the total acreage in Kentucky was 1900 acres in 1998. The apple production in 1996 was 50,000,000 tons valued at US $4.30 million. Growers sell apples mainly directly to the consumer, but also to grocery stores, wholesale markets, and to other growers. This means the product must be as perfect in appearance as possible to satisfy today's consumer. Any pest that compromises the apples' quality and appearance is a threat to Kentucky's developing apple industry.
We set wing traps baited with a light brown apple moth pheromone blend (25:1 mixture of (E)-11 Tetradecen-1-o1-acetate: (E,E)-9,11-Tetradecadien-1-o1 acetate as recommended by Otis Methods Development Center) in commercial apple orchards in mid-May. Traps were checked and lures replaced once a month from mid-May to August.
2005
- Number of Traps Set:
All photos on this page are from http://www.ukmoths.org.uk/