South African carnation worm

The South African carnation worm (Epichoristodes acerbella) is a moth belonging to the family Tortricidae. It is recognized as a significant quarantine pest in many regions of the world, posing a serious threat to the floral industry, particularly in greenhouse-grown cut flowers where its population can thrive rapidly.

This pest is highly polyphagous, meaning it feeds on a wide range of plants. While the carnation (Dianthus) is its primary host, the moth has been recorded on various other ornamental plants such as chrysanthemums, roses, and geraniums, as well as several horticultural crops, making it a persistent challenge for integrated pest management programs.

The biology of Epichoristodes acerbella is characterized by overlapping generations in protected environments. Females lay clusters of eggs on leaves, which are protected by a thin, scale-like covering. Upon hatching, the larvae immediately seek shelter, often rolling or folding leaves and securing them with silk webbing, which protects them from predators and many conventional contact pesticides.

The primary damage is caused by the larvae, which feed on buds, flowers, and tender foliage. By consuming the inner parts of the flower bud, they cause severe malformation and prevent normal blooming. Consequently, the affected plants suffer significant aesthetic and economic degradation, rendering them unsalable in both domestic and international markets.

• Implementation of strict quarantine protocols for imported plant material.
• Monitoring adult moth flight activity using pheromone traps.
• Regular manual inspection and removal of webbed leaves and infested buds.
• Use of biological control agents and biopesticides like Bacillus thuringiensis.
• Application of systemic insecticides specifically targeting young larval stages before they form protective rolls.