The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed several new detections of the moth Duponchelia fovealis(no common name) in the United States. The moth attacks a wide range of nursery stock, bedding plants and peppers.
It was first reported in California in May. But during the months of September and October, APHIS and state departments of agriculture have confirmed the presence of D. fovealis in portions of Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas and Washington.
On July 16, 2010, APHIS confirmed the detection of D. fovealis at a greenhouse in Vista, Calif. Trace-forward information provided by the affected nursery resulted in the expansion of detection surveys in 26 counties within California. Although survey data confirm the presence of the moth in 16 California counties, APHIS has not received reports of damage caused by this pest. The moth’s dispersion is natural, and it is not very cold tolerant.
APHIS, in partnership with the affected states, plans to examine the regulatory status, options and next steps, including federally recognized state managed phytosanitary options, such as official control for D. fovealis.
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