Ability to Respond Total:15 / 25Ability to Respond = ( Ease of Response + Tools in Place )
Confidence:High
Confidence Notes:
Impact
Spread
Notes
Score
Spread Rate
The adult moth flies or is carried with wind currents long distances; the eggs and/or larvae can be carried on plant material.
5
Spread Amount
In the US, several species of Spodoptera are problematic and in CA, there are three significant pests in the genus; S. litoralis occurs in Africa, southern Europe, and Near East and would likely flourish in CA (and much of the U.S.).
5
Damage
Notes
Score
Ecological
Some native species in natural areas would be affected. Increased insecticide usage would result to manage this pest if it established - this could threaten environmental quality.
2
Agricultural
Hundreds of hosts including fruit trees, grasses, legumes, medicinal crops, ornamentals, and vegetables, i.e. beans, beets, carrots, corn, cotton, lettuce, potato, tomato, apple, chrysanthemum, eucalyptus, alfalfa, plum, rice, sugarcane, rose, and wheat.
5
Infrastructure
0
Cultural
Home gardens.
1
Health
0
Benefit
Notes
Score
Ecological
0
Agricultural
0
Infrastructure
0
Cultural
0
Health
0
Total
18
Ability to Respond
Ease of Response
Notes
Score
Detection
Eggs and larvae detected visually, pheromones could be used in trapping programs (adult), Spodoptera is difficult to id to species, i.e. for the adults the males are needed and the aedeagus must be dissected and examined for identification.
2
Control
Biological and chemical control exist, fecundity and diverse hosts make it very challenging; significant annual pesticide use needed in agriculture, Spodoptera species present in CA do have a group of predators and parasites that aid in control.
2
Tools in Place
Notes
Score
Entry
A-rated pest from CDFA.
5
Control
A-rated pest from CDFA.
5
Outreach
A strong outreach program is not in place for the general public.
