Old World bollworm - Helicoverpa armigera
Effective: January 1, 2022
Taxonomic Position: Lepidoptera : Noctuidae
Pest Type: Insects
Pest Code (NAPIS): ITBCFBA
This pest is a member of the following surveys: Corn, Cotton, Small Grains, Solanaceous Hosts, Soybean
These Approved Methods are appropriate for: 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022
Pest Information
CAPS Pest Datasheet: https://download.ceris.purdue.edu/file/4101
Pest Tracker: https://pesttracker.org/pest/ITBCFBA
Hosts Identified in the CAPS Host Matrix:
Barley; Bean, fresh; Broccoli; Cabbage; Canola; Cauliflower; Citrus; Corn; Cotton; Cowpea; Eggplant; Oat; Pea, fresh; Peanut; Pepper; Pigeon pea; Potato; Sorghum; Soybean; Sugarbeet; Sunflower; Tobacco; Tomato; Wheat
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.
Survey
Approved Method(s)
| Method | Detail | NAPIS Survey Method |
|---|---|---|
| Trap | 18 - Plastic Bucket Trap | 3001 - General Trapping Procedure |
Trap Spacing:
Traps should be placed 1.5 to 1.8 m (~5 to 6 ft) above the ground.
When trapping for more than one species of moth (that require different lures), separate traps for different moth species by at least 20 meters (65 feet).
Approved Lure(s)
| NAPIS Code | Product | Dispenser | Effectiveness | Compound(s) | 21 | Helicoverpa armigera Lure | rubber septum | 28 days | Z11-16Ald Z9-16Ald butylated hydroxytoluene |
|---|
Lure Attachment:
IMPORTANT: Do not include lures for other target species in the trap when surveying for this target.
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.
Climate Suitability Map:
A Climate suitability map is now available. This survey should only be considered in the states with appropriate climate conditions and suitable hosts for this insect.
The map was produced by the SAFARIS Team. SAFARIS is a modeling framework that enables PPQ to quickly respond to emergencies, efficiently survey for pests, and assess potential pest impacts by collecting critical geospatial data and developing predictive models. SAFARIS is developed and maintained by the NC State University, Center for Integrated Pest Management (CIPM) with support from PPQ PPRA.
The map was produced by the SAFARIS Team. SAFARIS is a modeling framework that enables PPQ to quickly respond to emergencies, efficiently survey for pests, and assess potential pest impacts by collecting critical geospatial data and developing predictive models. SAFARIS is developed and maintained by the NC State University, Center for Integrated Pest Management (CIPM) with support from PPQ PPRA.
Target Life Stage: Adult
Time of Year to Survey:
Adult moths emerge between April and June depending on latitude, and they may be observed until October. In a study of overwintering pupae, 153 to 347 degree-days were required for emergence of 10 to 90% of adults, respectively (Mironidis et al., 2010). The lower threshold temperature (LTT) for larval and pupal stage development of nondiapausing individuals is about 10.5 °C (51 °F) and 10.2 °C (50 °F), respectively (Mironidis et al., 2010). About 475 degree-days are needed to complete development from egg to adult (Mironidis and Savopoulou-Soultani, 2012; Mironidis, 2014).
Survey Site Selection:
Helicoverpa armigera is known to infest high value crops, including corn, cotton, and tomato. The larvae feed mainly on the flowers and fruit of the crops. See datasheet for a list of preferred hosts.
Key Diagnostic or Identification
Approved Method(s)
ID/Diagnostic:
Final identification is by dissection of (adult) male genitalic structures.
Identification Resources:
Several screening aids for H. armigera adults and larvae are available on the CAPS Resource and Collaboration website, https://caps.ceris.purdue.edu/screening-aids.
See "Search IDaids" for additional identification tools: https://idtools.net/idAids/searchResults.cfm?searchString=helicoverpa+armigera&searchType=1
Mistaken Identities:
Helicoverpa armigera and the native, abundant species, Helicoverpa zea look very similar. Helicoverpa zea is attracted to the H. armigera lure and is commonly found in H. armigera traps. Dissection is required to distinguish these two species.
References
- Mironidis, G. K. 2014. Development, survivorship and reproduction of Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) under fluctuating temperatures. Bulletin of Entomological Research 104(6):751.
- Mironidis, G. K., D. C. Stamopoulos, and M. Savopoulou-Soultani. 2010. Overwintering survival and spring emergence of Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Northern Greece. Environmental Entomology 39(4):1068-1084.
- Mironidis, G., and M. Savopoulou-Soultani. 2012. Effects of constant and changing temperature conditions on diapause induction in Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Bulletin of Entomological Research 102(2):139.
If you are unable to find a reference, contact STCAPS@usda.gov. See the CAPS Pest Datasheet for all references.