Cactus Moth (Cactoblastis cactorum) |
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Background
The cactus moth, Cactoblastis cactorum, proved to be a successful agent for the biological control of invasive Opuntia species in Australia in the 1920’s and in other places where these cacti are not endemic. However, its introduction to the Caribbean in the 1950’s and subsequent spread led to detection in the Florida Keys in 1989. This has been cause for concern by the research community, conservation groups, and the Mexican government. Since arriving in Florida, the cactus moth has moved along both coasts, with an increasing rate of approximately 100 miles per year along the Gulf Coast. It is now found on barrier islands in South Carolina and Alabama. In January 2008, an small infestation was found on Petit Bois Island, Gulf Islands National Seashore in Mississippi.
Since 2003, USDA, APHIS, Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) has been cooperating with the Agriculture Research Service (ARS) to develop a strategic plan to improve detection methods and test the feasibility of using the sterile insect technique to establish a barrier along the US Gulf Coast to contain the cactus moth’s spread westward.
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International Cactoblastis cactorum Conference - Presentations and Abstracts
Predictive Modeling for Cactoblastis cactorum
Distribution of Prickly Pear Species in the United States
Potential Impacts in the United States and Mexico
Establishing a National Detection Network
Identification of the Cactoblastis cactorum
Cactoblastis Infestation Symptoms
Care in Handling Prickly Pear Cacti
Cooperative Research on Control Strategies
Publications
Identification Card - printable version
Pest Alert - printable version
USDA Cactoblastis Strategic Plan
Contact:
Dr. Robyn Rose
Telephone: (301)734-7121
E-mail: robyn.i.rose@aphis.usda.gov