08/06/08 On the lookout for apple moth

Another case of an invasive species that could cause problems, this time in Idaho orchards and vineyards. It's been more than one year since the Australian light brown apple moth was discovered in California and since then its spread to a dozen counties in the Golden State. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service's Osama El-lissy says because of the spread a national apple moth detection survey of all 50 states started in June and will target specific growing areas until November. EL-LISSY "And this is when light brown apple moth are most active and if the light brown apple moth is present elsewhere we will have a very good probability of detecting them." The Australian brown apple moth is considered one of the most invasive pests. EL-LISSY "That attacks more than two thousand types of native and ornamental plants and trees basically found throughout the United States and its major domestic hosts are stone fruit, apples, pears, grapes, citrus and nursery stock." Using baited traps El-lissy says they will be able to determine if brown apple moths turn up in or near orchards or other areas where they're prone to take hold. Today's Idaho Ag News Bill Scott