European pepper moth (Duponchelia fovealis) is a major, yet largely unrecognized, pest of nursery and greenhouse crops. This exotic pest has spread rapidly through the Southeastern US since becoming established in 2010. European pepper moth has become widespread in NC and throughout the Southeast since then.

We have a grant from USDA via the NCDA&CS to begin understanding the biology and management of this pest. We have been conducting insecticide trials to determine which are most effective. In addition we are investigating application techniques. Since this pest lives primarily at the soil surface but can also move into foliage or into the soil it will be important to figure out the best way to apply insecticides. For example, a simple foliar application probably will not reach the larvae in their webbing on the soil surface. Larvae may be able to escape drench applications to the soil by moving into the foliage. So far we are recommending 'sprench' applications. In this procedure insecticide is applied to the foliage but with larger droplets and volume so some of it drips down to the soil.

We have not completed our efficacy work but do have some results to share. First what DOES NOT work is pyrethroids. We have tested a couple different pyrethroid products with little to no efficacy using sprench applications. Insecticides that show promise include diamides such as chlorantraniliprole, cyclaniliprole, and cyantraniliprole. This relatively new class of insecticides are particularly effective for lepidopteran larvae and have been effective in reducing European pepper moth abundance. Another insecticide that targets lepidopterans is methoxyfenozide. We are continuing to evaluate insecticides and biological control agents for this pest.

Pheromone traps are available to monitor for European pepper moth. They only trap male moths so there is no risk of attracting females to your nursery. European pepper moth larvae feed on dozens of herbaceous and woody plant species. The larvae feed at or just below the surface of the potting media. They form loose webbing from the media to low leaves and branches. Because of this behavior they prefer plants with foliage touching the media or at least close to it.

The larvae are cream to light brown, less than an inch long, and live in silk webbing on or below the surface of the potting media. The larvae can be very difficult to find but if you find webbing assume the larvae are there and keep looking. European pepper moths damage plants when the larvae feed on leaves, flowers, stems, or roots. Damage to roots and stems cause symptoms, such as wilting or stunted growth, that are most commonly associated with drought or root diseases.