Pink bollworm - Pectinophora gossypiella
Effective: November 9, 2011 - December 31, 2022
Taxonomic Position: Lepidoptera : Gelechiidae
Pest Type: Insects
Pest Code (NAPIS): ITAMAOA
This pest is a member of the following surveys: Cotton
These Approved Methods are appropriate for: 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015
Pest Information
CAPS Pest Datasheet: https://download.ceris.purdue.edu/file/3121
Pest Tracker: https://pesttracker.org/pest/ITAMAOA
Human and Animal Pathogens Transmitted:

Not known to transmit any human or animal pathogens.

Pest Pathogens and Organisms Vectored:

Not known to vector any pathogens or other associated organisms but damage may lead to invasion by secondary pests. Exit holes can predispose the cotton bolls to fungal infections by Aspergillus flavus.

Survey

Approved Method(s)
Method Detail NAPIS Survey Method
Trap 17 - Paper Delta Trap, 3 sticky sides, Orange 3001 - General Trapping Procedure
Trap Spacing:
When trapping for more than one species of moth, separate traps for different moth species by at least 20 meters (65 feet).
Method Notes:

Before planning a pink bollworm survey it is IMPERATIVE that you contact your PPQ Regional Cotton Program Manager to determine if your state should survey for this pest. CAPS surveys should NOT be conducted in states that are part of the PPQ Pink Bollworm eradication program (AZ, CA, NM, and TX). In addition, some cotton-producing states have wet weather that are not conducive to pink bollworm development.


Approved Lure(s)
NAPIS Code Product Dispenser Effectiveness Compound(s)
52 Pink Bollworm Lure rubber septum 14 days
Lure Attachment:

Attaching lures to traps

IMPORTANT: Do not include lures for other target species in the trap when surveying for this target.

Lure Notes:

Lures should be changed every 2 weeks. The PPQ Cotton Program changes the lures on a weekly basis; however, every 2 weeks is acceptable for CAPS. In excessively dusty conditions, lures should be changed weekly as moth specimens may be too dusty to properly identify.


Survey Recommendations
The following are recommendations for executing the survey using the approved methods for pest surveillance. The recommendations are developed through literature review and consultation with subject matter experts.
Key Diagnostic or Identification

Approved Method(s)
ID/Diagnostic:
Morphological. Samples are screened for the presence of pink bollworm. Level 1 screening for this pest requires experience working with Lepidoptera in sticky traps. See the CAPS Cotton Commodity-based Survey Reference for a list of characters to use for Level 1 screening. Suspect pink bollworm specimens should then be forwarded to the designated identifier. See the CAPS Cotton Commodity-based Survey Reference for contact information.
Mistaken Identities:

Similar-looking moths found in the United States: Epilechia catalinella, Gelechia sp., Ofatulena duodecemstriata, Platyedra subcinerea, and Pyroderces rileyi. Not present in the continental United States: Pectinorpha scutigera and P. endema.

Guides
Sample Submission Guidance for Lepidoptera
References

If you are unable to find a reference, contact STCAPS@usda.gov. See the CAPS Pest Datasheet for all references.