Pest Confirmed As Present In 13 States

In May, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) notified the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) about an interception of Duponchelia fovealis larvae in a nursery shipment from San Diego County, Calif.

Since then, APHIS and State Departments of Agriculture have confirmed the presence of Duponchelia fovealis in 13 states, including Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, and Washington.

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Duponchelia fovealis originated in southern Europe and North Africa and can be found in the environment. It is, however, considered a greenhouse pest. The moth’s dispersion is natural, and it is not very cold tolerant. Duponchelia fovealis has a wide range of host plants, including peppers, pomegranates, aquatic plants, bedding plants and nursery stock.

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 Duponchelia fovealis.

Under IPPC standards, Duponchelia fovealis is considered to be a pest, but only in some areas in the United States.

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Source: PestAlert.org

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