Light brown apple moth infestations increase

From CANGC (The California Association of Nurseries and Garden Centers):

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has noted a significant increase in Light Brown Apple Moth (LBAM) interceptions throughout California during the winter months of 2014-2015. Possible contributors are the wild LBAM populations' natural spread, mild winter temperatures/rain, and the artificial movement through infested plant material and/or commodities. LBAM has a natural spread of approximately two miles per year and this winter's warmer moister weather has given LBAM optimum conditions for reproduction. The statewide cold snap in late December gave LBAM the opportunity to pupate at an earlier instar increasing the reproductive generations for 2015.

Along with the high reproduction rates, artificial movement of LBAM via infested plant material has resulted in an uptick in satellite quarantines - outside of the generally infested area. Infested nursery stock movement has caused several satellite quarantines in Mendocino, San Luis Obispo, San Joaquin, Santa Barbara and San Diego Counties.

CANGC and CDFA reminds nurseries in existing LBAM infested areas and those with new LBAM infestations - that increased LBAM pest pressure now and likely through the spring - makes it imperative that nurseries abide by the requirements of your LBAM compliance agreements with special focus on implementation of applicable "LBAM Nursery Industry Best Management Practices." We'd highly recommend that you re-visit the requirements of your compliance agreement, review the LBAM BMPs and ensure that they are being implemented appropriately in your nursery. Our experience when pest pressure is high - that proactive implementation of best management practices now results in fewer LBAM compliance issues down the road. CDFA also reminds us that preventive tools, such as mating disruption are available and may have application in your nursery's BMPs. For more information about mating disruption and other preventative tools, contact Laura Irons at lirons@cdfa.ca.gov or Vince Arellano at varellano@cdfa.ca.gov.