Abstract Lymantria xylina Swinhoe (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) is an important subtropical defoliating pest with a broad host range. In March 2026, larvae of L. xylina were observed feeding on potted Phoebe bournei (Hemsl.) Yang (Laurales: Lauraceae) seedlings in a nursery in Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China, causing extensive leaf damage in nursery stands. To confirm species identity and host suitability, larvae were collected and reared individually under laboratory conditions (25 ± 1 °C and 75 ± 10% relative humidity) and fed exclusively on P. bournei leaves. The results showed that L. xylina was able to complete its entire life cycle on P. bournei, including larval development, pupation, adult emergence, mating, and oviposition. The larval and pupal periods ranged from 40 to 58 d and 9 to 15 d, respectively. Morphological characteristics of all developmental stages were consistent with previous descriptions of L. xylina. This study represents the first record of P. bournei as a host plant of L. xylina, expanding the known host range of this species. The findings suggest potential risks to nursery production and forest management, although the potential for widespread field infestations requires further investigation, highlighting the need for further studies on population dynamics and management strategies.
The Mid-Southern United States is responsible for approximately 75% of total rice hectares planted annually, making it the most saturated rice producing region in the country. Two cultivation systems are predominantly used in this region. Traditional flooded rice cultivation involves labor-intensive levee construction, prolonged harvest times, and crop rotation challenges. Furrow-irrigated rice (FIR) systems offer a promising alternative that can reduce costs and address these other limitations. During 2018, FIR accounted for approximately 10% of the total rice hectares in Arkansas. As of 2025, FIR has been adopted on nearly 20% of Arkansas’ total rice hectares, and similar trends have emerged in many states across the Mid-Southern United States, in particular Missouri, due to the regions lighter soil types. Rice producers have expanded their FIR hectares to reduce labor and tillage costs and facilitate crop rotation. However, the absence of a flooded field environment has rendered rice more susceptible to pests that were previously considered minor in traditional flooded rice systems. In particular, rice billbug (Sphenophorus pertinax) (Oliver) have established its presence in FIR across the Mid-Southern United States, and initial observations suggest that it could become the most impactful insect pest in FIR with respect to yield loss. As the popularity of this production system continues to grow, there is a pressing need for research to develop effective pest management practices. This paper reviews the major insects affecting traditional flooded rice systems, assesses their impact on furrow-irrigated rice production, and addresses new insect threats in the FIR production system.
Abstract The polyphagous, invasive, 2-spot cotton leafhopper, Amrasca biguttula (Ishida) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) is a new threat to US agriculture. Preliminary projections based on reported losses from non‑US crops point to possible losses of ∼$1.0 billion per year for US cotton, with additional millions of dollars in lost vegetable and ornamental sales. These numbers are estimates only, as US yield‑loss data are still being collected. After its initial detection in Puerto Rico in 2023, and a localized foothold in South Florida around mid-2024, A. biguttula remained undetected until July 2025, when it reached Florida’s cotton region to the north. A rapid geographic expansion followed, taking only 3 to 4 mo for this pest to establish breeding populations in over 170 counties and parishes across 9 southeastern states. This leafhopper reportedly feeds on at least 24 species of crop plants, mainly cotton, soybean, okra, eggplant, potato, and sunflower. Nymphs and adults inject phytotoxic saliva into leaves, leading to “hopperburn,” a disorder that within a week or 2 progresses from chlorosis to severe necrosis and even leaf death. Harvest losses can reach 35% to 80% for sensitive crops like cotton, okra, and eggplant. In its native range, A. biguttula can annually produce ∼11 full generations, with some becoming insecticide resistance in as few as 5 yr. This pest profile summarizes current knowledge on A. biguttula to support the development of US integrated pest management programs and provides information on identification, ecology, and management options for the public, growers, extension agents, and researchers.
Crapemyrtles (Lagerstroemia spp.), native to Southeast Asia, are popular ornamental flowering trees and shrubs. Introduced to the United States approximately 175 yr ago, crapemyrtle has become a dominant landscape plant across the southeastern United States. The diversity of flower colors, long-lasting summer blooms, showy exfoliating bark, fall foliage coloration, range of shapes and sizes, and resistance to many pests and diseases have made crapemyrtle a popular choice among landscapers and nursery growers. However, crapemyrtle production and landscapes are increasingly impacted by pests such as crapemyrtle aphid (Sarucallis kahawaluokalani Kirkaldy) and crapemyrtle bark scale (Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae Kuwana), and diseases like powdery mildew (Erysiphe lagerstroemiae West and E. australiana McAlpine) and cercospora leaf spot (Pseudocercospora lythracearum Heald & F. A. Wolf) that reduce aesthetic value and salability of crapemyrtle. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the biology, distribution, damage symptoms, and integrated pest and disease management strategies for major pests and diseases of crapemyrtle in the United States. Emphasis is placed on practical and tested management approaches, including cultural practices, host plant resistance, biological control, and judicious use of registered insecticides and fungicides. The information presented will directly benefit green industry professionals, landscapers, and nursery growers involved in the cultivation and maintenance of crapemyrtle in both production and landscape settings. Future research should prioritize developing resistant cultivars and environmentally sustainable pest and disease management approaches.
The spotted wing Drosophila (SWD), Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura 1931), is an invasive species of ripening soft fruit, first reported in Japan in 1916 and widely distributed worldwide in the past 20 yr. In Chile, this fly was reported in 2017. Since then, this fly has spread throughout much of the country, including desert climates in the north and cold-temperate climates in the south. The SWD is considered an economically important pest of berries, cherries, and grapes, affecting not only cultivated crops but also wild species. In the Chilean Patagonia, fruits and vegetables are cultivated on a small scale for home consumption and sale in local markets. Growers use low inputs and few or no insecticides, mostly due to environmental concerns and the scarcity of crop protection products, including insecticides. In this paper, we report the presence of SWD in wild and cultivated crops in the Chilean Patagonia as a result of a survey conducted in Futaleuf & uacute;, Palena Medio, Palena Alto, and Ayacara in the Huequi peninsula, expanding its global range, where the cold climate and the Andes mountains were insufficient to prevent the spread of SWD. As far as we know, by the time this manuscript was prepared, no previous reports had been published in the scientific literature about the SWD in the Chilean Patagonia. La mosca de alas manchadas, Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura 1931), es una especie invasiva de fruta blanda madura, reportada por primera vez en Jap & oacute;n en 1916 y ampliamente distribuida a nivel mundial en los & uacute;ltimos veinte a & ntilde;os. En Chile fue reportada en 2017 y desde entonces esta mosca se ha distribuido por gran parte del pa & iacute;s, incluyendo climas des & eacute;rticos en el norte y templados en el sur. La mosca de alas manchadas es considerada una plaga de importancia econ & oacute;mica en bayas, cerezas y uvas, con efecto no solo en plantas cultivadas, sino tambi & eacute;n en frutos silvestres. En la Patagonia chilena, las frutas y hortalizas se cultivan a peque & ntilde;a escala para autoconsumo y venta en mercados locales. Se enfatiza la producci & oacute;n org & aacute;nica debido al respeto por el medio ambiente y a la escasez de productos disponibles para la protecci & oacute;n de cultivos, incluidos los insecticidas. En este art & iacute;culo reportamos la presencia de la mosca de alas manchadas en plantas cultivadas y silvestres de la Patagonia chilena, como resultado de una colecta realizada en Futaleuf & uacute;, Palena Medio, Palena Alto y Ayacara en la pen & iacute;nsula de Huequi. Estos resultados expanden su rango global, donde barreras como el clima fr & iacute;o y la aislaci & oacute;n geogr & aacute;fica resultaron insuficientes para impedir la distribuci & oacute;n de esta especie altamente pl & aacute;stica. Hasta el momento de la preparaci & oacute;n de este manuscrito, no existe reporte en la literatura cient & iacute;fica sobre la presencia de la mosca de alas manchadas en la Patagonia chilena.
Since its initial detection in the United States in 2002, emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), has caused extensive mortality of ash (Fraxinus spp.) primarily across the East and Midwest. More recent detections in Colorado and Oregon mark a westward expansion of EAB into regions that differ markedly in climate and ash distribution from previously infested areas. These differences necessitate a reassessment of surveillance strategies, management tactics, and long-term planning for EAB in the West. Here, we summarize the current distribution of EAB in the West, describe state-level response efforts, and synthesize available information on monitoring, spread dynamics, and management strategies within a western context. We also discuss challenges associated with symptom-based assessment in the West, and emphasize the importance of coordinated regional responses, proactive planning, and sustained public outreach. Together, this synthesis provides a framework to support informed decision-making and adaptive management as EAB continues to expand across the West.
This review of the spotted lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula (White), presents its biology and life cycle, distribution, pest status, injury, host range, and ecology. The authors (associated with the Southern Spotted Lanternfly Working Group) emphasize how the establishment of L. delicatula in the southeastern United States affects its reproduction, persistence in newly introduced habitats, seasonal activity and abundance, and management efforts. The review also highlights several knowledge gaps and research needs, as identified by specialty crop stakeholders, that are expected to improve integrated pest management of L. delicatula in the southeastern United States. The top 3 research needs emphasized by the authors and other members of the Southern Spotted Lanternfly Working Group include (i) the efficacy of different insecticides against adults or larvae and residual activity, (ii) the seasonal incidence and abundance of L. delicatula in the South, and (iii) the host range and preferences for different life stages of L. delicatula for ornamental or commodities important to the South (pecan, walnut, peach, etc.).
Pochazia is a genus of sap-sucking insect distributed mainly in the Eastern Hemisphere. Two closely related species are spreading with warming climate and human trade: Pochazia shantungensis (Chou & Lu, 1977) and P. chinensis Lee, Lee, Li & Lee, 2024. In the sentinel gardens in South Korea, P. chinensis has damaged the transplanted North American trees and is among the most common sap-sucking species observed in the experimental gardens. Pochazia species have been detected outside East Asia, including Europe and, more recently, in Georgia, United States, although establishment in Georgia remains unconfirmed. Their host range includes North American tree species, which are impacted by rapid reproduction and the production of copious honeydew supporting sooty mold. These species may pose a challenging detection and management problem if they become established. This article serves as an alert about their spread and potential impact in invaded regions, and as an authoritative summary of information about the pests for surveys, identification, and responses to eventual invasion. Information from published research is amended with new records from sentinel gardens on American trees in South Korea. Because P. shantungensis and P. chinensis are externally very similar and can be confused based on morphology alone, we summarize key diagnostic characters and recommend molecular corroboration where possible, especially when using public cytochrome oxidase I DNA records.
Household insecticides are a common source of chemical exposure in urban environments, yet the motivations behind their use, beyond pest presence alone, remain unclear. While it is reasonable to hypothesize that aversion to insects could drive highly averse individuals to apply more insecticides, this relationship has not been established in prior research, likely due to difficulties in measuring extreme aversion. Our study aimed to determine whether aversion to cockroaches and other insects, among various potential determinants, is a significant factor influencing insecticide use. We conducted an online survey of 510 adults across the United States and employed an innovative artificial intelligence driven tool to accurately quantify extreme cockroach aversion. We found that among those with elevated cockroach aversion, higher aversion levels were significantly associated with increased insecticide use and more frequent professional extermination. Insect aversion and a desire for cleanliness were the most important determinants of insecticide use, while the presence of pests was ranked lower. This study offers novel evidence that intense aversion to insects and cockroaches substantially influences household insecticide use. This finding suggests that public health interventions aimed at reducing household insecticide use and promoting integrated pest management should consider insect aversion as a risk factor for increased insecticide use.
The tile-horned Prionus, Prionus imbricornis (Linnaeus, 1767) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Prioninae), is native to the eastern United States and feeds on woody shrubs and hardwoods as larvae. Several species of Prionus are known to be pests as larvae, but their overlapping ranges and similar larval morphology make species identification difficult, leading to erroneous host associations. Comparative molecular data of larvae infesting Vaccinium corymbosum Linnaeus in North Carolina reveal P. imbricornis as a pest. A review of insect biology, description of life stages, host plants, damage, and management options for P. imbricornis is presented. A key to adult North Carolina Prionus species and molecular barcodes of P. imbricornis are provided to facilitate future species-level identification for accurate host association.
The red coffee borer, Polyphagozerra coffeae (Nietner) (formerly Zeuzera coffeae)-native to South and Southeast Asia-is a highly polyphagous wood-boring pest. This review summarizes the biology, ecology, and management of P. coffeae, highlighting the increasing threat to nonnative regions and available options for detection and management. The main concern includes records of colonization of living North American tree species experimentally planted in Asia. Adult flight likely mediates local spread, while long-distance spread typically occurs via human-assisted movement of infested plant materials. The larval galleries hollow out twigs and branches, causing wilt, dieback, breakage, and even mortality of young trees. Early signs of infestation include pellet-like frass extruding from larval entrance holes and pupal skins protruding from exit holes, but these symptoms alone cannot be used to distinguish this species from other wood boring moths. As species-specific lures are not currently available, the detection relies on visual surveys and light traps, which are not species specific. To increase the probability of early detection, community engagement and the training of artificial intelligence models to report the pest are recommended. The most effective response strategies include the removal and destruction of infested material, pruning, and material movement control. Biosecurity research should prioritize the pest's semiochemical ecology and improving early detection and surveillance programs before its spread.
Sap-sucking insects are among the most important pests of Cannabis sativa worldwide; however, there are no formal records of their occurrence in medicinal cannabis crops in Brazil. Field records were obtained between 2023 and 2025 at two medicinal cannabis production systems-greenhouse cultivation S & atilde;o Paulo state and open-field cultivation in Rio de Janeiro state-documented the occurrence of seven sap-sucking pest species. Six species were recorded exclusively under greenhouse cultivation: the cotton aphid Aphis gossypii Glover, 1877 (Hemiptera: Aphididae); the leafhoppers Dalbulus maidis (DeLong, 1923), Erythrogonia hertha Medler, 1963, Ferrariana trivittata (Signoret, 1854), and Sibovia sagata (Signoret, 1854) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae); and the thrips Caliothrips phaseoli (Hood, 1912) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae). The stink bug Edessa meditabunda (Fabricius, 1794) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) was observed for the first time in C. sativa plantation worldwide, with occurrence registered only in open-field conditions. These records represent the first documentation of sap-sucking insect pests associated with medicinal C. sativa in Brazil and provide baseline information to support phytosanitary monitoring and the development of integrated pest management strategies. Insetos sugadores de seiva est & atilde;o entre as pragas mais importantes da Cannabis sativa em todo o mundo, no entanto, n & atilde;o h & aacute; registros formais da ocorr & ecirc;ncia desses insetos em cultivos medicinais de cannabis no Brasil. Registros de campo foram obtidos entre 2023 e 2025 em dois sistemas de produ & ccedil;& atilde;o de cannabis medicinal (cultivo protegido em estufa no estado de S & atilde;o Paulo e cultivo a c & eacute;u aberto no estado do Rio de Janeiro), documentando a ocorr & ecirc;ncia de sete esp & eacute;cies de pragas sugadoras de seiva. Seis esp & eacute;cies foram registradas exclusivamente em cultivo protegido: o pulg & atilde;o-do-algodoeiro Aphis gossypii Glover, 1877 (Hemiptera: Aphididae); as cigarrinhas Dalbulus maidis (DeLong, 1923), Erythrogonia hertha Medler, 1963, Ferrariana trivittata (Signoret, 1854) e Sibovia sagata (Signoret, 1854) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae); e o tripes Caliothrips phaseoli (Hood, 1912) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae). O percevejo Edessa meditabunda (Fabricius, 1794) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) foi observado pela primeira vez em planta & ccedil;& atilde;o de C. sativa no mundo, com ocorr & ecirc;ncia registrada apenas em campo aberto. Esses registros representam a primeira documenta & ccedil;& atilde;o de insetos sugadores de seiva associados & agrave; Cannabis sativa medicinal no Brasil e fornecem informa & ccedil;& otilde;es b & aacute;sicas para o monitoramento fitossanit & aacute;rio e o desenvolvimento de estrat & eacute;gias de manejo integrado de pragas.
Thrips parvispinus (Karny) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) is an invasive thrips species native to Southeast Asia, affecting ornamental and vegetable crops. Over the past three decades, this species has considerably expanded its global distribution, including the United States. Thrips samples collected from 12 locations across Texas from plants exhibiting foliage injury in greenhouse facilities, large retail outlets, and community gardens confirmed the presence of T. parvispinus in November of 2025. Detections from multiple counties in Texas suggest that T. parvispinus has been introduced to multiple locations and may be widely distributed in the state. Here, we document the first record of T. parvispinus in Texas and provide a baseline for future monitoring and management efforts.
The western bean cutworm, Striacosta albicosta ((Smith); Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a key pest of corn in North America. Management takes the form of the prophylactic use of transgenic corn or the application of foliar insecticides. It is generally recommended that corn is scouted for the presence of western bean cutworm egg masses. Typical thresholds state that a foliar application should be made if 5% to 8% of plants have western bean cutworm egg masses or larvae. However, it is unknown how many pest management practitioners implement these practices, as well as how they perceive alternate control methods (eg biological control) or the development of resistance to control measures. Thus, a survey was distributed to stakeholders to ascertain their thoughts, perceptions, and practices surrounding western bean cutworm management. The questions discussed topics such as demographics, ranking of problems, scouting practices, control methods, and biological control. Previous surveys have demonstrated growers tend to be less knowledgeable and confident than crop consultants. However, consultants tended to prefer a lower-than-recommended application threshold, possibly due to economic considerations. Despite these differences, both groups stated that local research trials are important for the implementation of a new practice.
A survey was conducted to understand stakeholder priorities and management needs relating to pests in the ornamental cropping industry in Hawai'i. Electronic and paper versions of a semi-structured questionnaire, as well as interviews, were disseminated to stakeholders (n = 259) statewide from December 2024 to February 2025. The survey identified beetles (Coleoptera), mites (Arachnida), whiteflies (Hemiptera), scale insects (Hemiptera), thrips (Thysanoptera), and ants (Hymenoptera) as the most significant pest challenges in the nursery, floriculture, and landscape industries, contributing to economic losses and industry decline. The majority of respondents indicated a strong preference for integrated pest management (IPM) strategies over pesticides as standalone treatments. The most pressing needs for the industry were identified as research and development in emerging tools and technologies, including the use of artificial intelligence (AI) for pest monitoring and management. Additional priorities included the expansion of extension and education programs, timely information dissemination, effective phytosanitary measures, and the development of innovative management. This information will help foster the development and optimization of IPM programs in response to the identified needs of the industry.
Thrips parvispinus (Karny) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) poses a serious threat to global horticultural production, including nursery and greenhouse ornamental crops, as well as field and vegetables grown in protected structures. Concern over the potential negative economic impact on these crops is growing within their recently invaded range, including the United States and Canada. This review will cover current knowledge of the biology, ecology, and management strategies for this pest, with particular focus on its behavior, life cycle, and the environmental factors that promote its spread and proliferation. Recent advances in management strategies for T. parvispinus are discussed, with an emphasis on sustainable approaches to minimize insecticide resistance and reduce environmental impacts associated with chemical pesticides. Additionally, the importance of monitoring tools, including sticky traps and plant scouting, for early detection is discussed. The paper provides researchers with a current state-of-the-science on T. parvispinus as a crop pest and can help growers reduce economic losses.
Apple and peach tree growers in the eastern United States face unique pest management challenges. To maintain fruit quality and yield, integrated pest management (IPM) strategies can address weather-related and invasive species pests. However, adoption of IPM has been inconsistent among eastern US tree fruit growers, with many using both chemical and biological approaches. The purpose of this study was to identify evolving pest problems among eastern US tree fruit growers, document the IPM strategies the growers are currently using, and develop a communication plan for introducing new or improved IPM strategies to encourage adoption. Using a qualitative research design, 7 focus groups were conducted with 82 growers across the eastern United States. Results indicated that the participants had numerous pest challenges, which were dependent on their location and the fruit they grow. Participants reported challenges with insecticide resistance, cross-regional pest pressure, and difficulty managing both native and invasive species. They felt that these challenges threaten production and economic viability and make integration of IPM tactics challenging. Moreover, research on existing tactics such as alternative management strategies, mating disruption, monitoring traps, and entomopathogenic fungi is needed. Dissemination of research findings should be through diverse communication channels, including e-mail newsletters, YouTube videos, blogs, podcasts, and at conferences. Participants felt that future IPM research should prioritize refining and validating pest management models that are more accurate and adaptable across orchard systems. Recommendations include increased collaboration among researchers, extension specialists, crop consultants, and growers in the eastern United States to address adoption of effective IPM practices.
The clouded plant bug, Neurocolpus nubilus (Say) (Hemiptera: Miridae), is a documented pest of upland cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L., in 10 states across the Cotton Belt. Missouri, Arkansas, and Tennessee had the highest number of cotton acres infested with this pest during the 2024 growing season. Clouded plant bugs cause direct damage to cotton plants by feeding on the terminals, squares, flowers, and bolls throughout the growing season. There is a lack of basic and applied research on this pest compared to other prominent plant bugs present in cotton agroecosystems. Further research on clouded plant bugs will address knowledge gaps and allow for the development of more accurate pest management strategies and recommendations for Tennessee cotton growers. This profile reviews the biology, ecology, damage potential, thresholds, and management options for clouded plant bugs in cotton.
Rhynchophorus palmarum (L.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Dryophthorinae) is a significant pest of ornamental and commercial palm species in its native (Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean) and invaded ranges (Baja California Mexico and California United States). This palm weevil vectors a plant pathogenic nematode, Bursaphelenchus cocophilus (Cobb) (Aphelenchida: Parasitaphelenchidae), that causes a lethal palm malady, red ring disease. On a per hectare basis, this vector-pathogen association, unique among Rhynchophorus spp., may make R. palmarum a significantly more damaging pest than the globally notorious red palm weevil, R. ferrugineus (Olivier). Substantial knowledge deficits include inefficiencies in early detection and mass rearing R. palmarum for experiments, paucity of data on economic impacts, and a lack of understanding of the ecology and population regulation of this weevil in native areas. In comparison to R. ferrugineus and its economic host, the date palm, Phoenix dactylifera L., there is a profound lack of knowledge in all omics fields (ie proteomics, metabolomics, and volatilomics) pertaining to R. palmarum and its key agricultural palm hosts (ie coconut, Cocos nucifera L., and oil palm, Elaeis guineensis Jacq). However, promising avenues of research include biological control agents, especially the tachinid fly, Billaea rhynchophorae (Blanchard), areawide management using point sources that combine aggregation pheromone and insecticides for attract and kill, and anticipated advances in genetics-based tools that may enhance management of this pest.
Roses are high-value ornamental crops extensively cultivated under both open-field and protected conditions in India. In recent years, thrips have emerged as a major pest group, causing considerable aesthetic and economic damage. To support integrated pest management, this study examined the species composition of thrips infesting open-field roses in southern India, along with associated damage symptoms and morphological diagnostics. Five species were identified: Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande), Retithrips syriacus (Mayet), Scirtothrips dorsalis (Hood), Thrips palmi Karny, and Thrips parvispinus (Karny). Among these, R. syriacus, T. palmi, and T. parvispinus represent newly recorded species on roses in India, constituting important new pest records for growers. No consistent correlation was observed between thrips species and symptom patterns, suggesting that reliance on field-based symptom recognition alone may lead to misdiagnosis and inappropriate management. The presence of invasive, polyphagous species such as F. occidentalis and T. parvispinus, with substantial frequencies of occurrence and relative abundances, poses a broader threat to other economically important crops, with roses potentially serving as reservoir hosts. Furthermore, there is a significant risk of increased losses if these species establish themselves in roses cultivated under protected environments such as greenhouses and polyhouses. These findings highlight the need for continuous monitoring, precise species-level identification, and adoption of species-specific integrated pest management strategies to mitigate future economic risks in rose cultivation.
