Light Brown Apple moth (LBAM) Eradication Program

Light Brown Apple moth (LBAM) Eradication Program

The CDFA's objective is to eradicate LBAM from the State of California. Eradication is to be accomplished using a variety of tools with reliance primarily on biological control methods applied in an effective and evironmentally safe manner. Each method proposed under the program is discussed as a separate alternative, with different application options under some of the alternatives. The alternatives are categorized as either chemical treatment or nonchemical treatment methods. Nonchemical treatment methods are (1) Inundative Parasite Wasp Releases and (2) Sterile Insect Technique. Chemical treatment methods are (3) Mating Disruption with LBAM-specific pheromones (using twist ties and ground application), and (4) Organically, Approved Insecticides, Bacillus thuringiensis (Btk) and Spinosad, applied from the ground. The CDFA is not considering aerial applications of pheromones. The Program anticipates using all of the chemical and nonchemical alternative (and options) as part of an Integrated Pest Management Program. Should any on alternative become infeasible for effectiveness, economic or environmental reasons, the other alternative would be used. Furthermore, the quarantine, inspection, detection, and privated pesticide use components of No Program would continue until LBAM eradication is achieved.