 Rafia Khan, Ph. D Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist The European pepper moth (Duponchelia fovealis) is an emerging pest of concern in greenhouse and nursery production systems, particularly in ornamental crops. Accurate identification and early recognition of injury symptoms are critical for timely management, as infestations often go unnoticed until significant damage has occurred. Identification Adult moths are relatively small, with a wingspan of approximately 19-23 mm. They are typically tan to brown in color. The front wings have two cream-colored bands; outer one has a finger-like projection. Their abdomen has white colored rings. The adults are weak fliers and hold their wings flat in a triangular shape at rest. Due to their size and coloration, adults can be easily overlooked among plant material. Eggs are very small, oval, and pale in color, and are usually laid in concealed locations such as the undersides of leaves, along leaf veins, or near the base of plants. These eggs are difficult to detect without close inspection. Larvae are the most damaging stage and are more commonly encountered than adults. Newly hatched larvae are small and translucent, but as they mature, they become creamy white to light brown with a distinct dark brown head capsule. Fully grown larvae can reach up to 15–20 mm in length. Larvae are typically found in protected areas such as the lower canopy, at the crown of the plant, or within the growing media. Their cryptic behavior makes them difficult to detect during routine scouting. Pupation occurs in silken cocoons that may be found in soil, plant debris, or along container edges. These cocoons are often covered with particles of soil or plant material, further aiding concealment. Injury Pattern The European pepper moth primarily causes damage during the larval stage. Feeding typically begins on lower leaves and stems, often near the base of the plant. Early symptoms include small chewing marks on foliage, which can be easily mistaken for minor or incidental damage. As larvae grow, feeding becomes more aggressive and extensive. Leaves may become skeletonized or exhibit irregular holes. Larvae may also bore into stems at or just above the soil line, causing girdling. This type of injury disrupts water and nutrient movement within the plant, often leading to wilting, stunted growth, or plant collapse. One of the distinguishing signs of infestation is the presence of webbing produced by larvae. This webbing is often mixed with frass (insect excrement) and plant debris, creating a messy appearance around the crown and lower foliage. In potted ornamentals, larvae may also feed within the growing medium, damaging roots and lower stems, which further contributes to plant decline. Plant injury is often concentrated in hidden areas, making early detection difficult. By the time symptoms such as wilting or significant defoliation are visible, larval populations may already be well established. In ornamental crops, even moderate feeding damage and contamination with frass can significantly reduce aesthetic quality, leading to reduced marketability or complete crop loss. Recognizing these identification features and injury patterns is essential for early detection and effective management of this increasingly important pest.
Photo credit, Rafia Khan
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Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center Overton, TX Spring represents a critical period for greenhouse crop production because increasing temperatures and the availability of tender plant growth create favorable conditions for the development of several insect pests. Among these, aphids are one of the most common and economically important pests encountered during this time. Aphids are small, soft-bodied, winged or wingless, phloem-feeding insects. Aphids feed by piercing plant tissues and sucking plant sap. Their feeding can cause a variety of symptoms, including curled or distorted leaves, stunted plant growth, and reduced plant vigor. In addition to direct feeding damage, aphids excrete a sticky substance known as honeydew. Honeydew can accumulate on leaves and stems, leading to the growth of sooty mold fungi that reduce the aesthetic quality and market value of ornamental plants. Some aphid species can also transmit plant viruses, making early management even more important. Many aphid species reproduce through parthenogenesis and give birth to live nymphs, allowing populations to increase exponentially within a short period. As a result, even low initial infestations can quickly develop into significant pest outbreaks if not detected and managed early through regular monitoring and timely intervention. Early detection is the key to effective aphid management. Growers should inspect plants frequently, especially new growth and the undersides of leaves, where aphids often congregate. Yellow sticky cards can only help to monitor the winged aphids, but not the wingless adults. An integrated pest management (IPM) approach is the most effective strategy for managing aphids. Cultural practices, such as removing heavily infested plant material and managing weeds inside and around the greenhouse, can help reduce aphid populations. Maintaining good sanitation practices and carefully inspecting incoming plant material can also prevent new infestations. Biological control can be an effective tool in greenhouse systems. Natural enemies such as lady beetles, lacewings, and parasitic wasps can help suppress aphid populations when released at appropriate times. High pressure wash water spray can reduce the population of aphids. When aphid populations reach damaging levels, insecticides may be necessary. Growers should select products carefully and rotate insecticides with different modes of action to reduce the risk of resistance development. By combining monitoring, cultural practices, biological control, and responsible pesticide use, greenhouse growers can successfully manage aphids and protect the quality and productivity of their crops during the spring season.
Figure: Bean aphid (A), Crape myrtle aphid (B), and Green peach aphid (C). Photo courtesy: Rafia Khan
Rafia Khan, Ph. D. Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center Overton, TX. Spring is the most important production and sales season for Texas nurseries, and thoughtful preparation during late winter can significantly influence crop quality, pest pressure, and overall profitability. As temperatures begin to rise, the priority should be a thorough inspection of all overwintered plant material. Carefully examine plants for cold injury, root health issues, nutrient deficiencies, and early signs of insect or disease activity. Pests such as aphids, mites, whiteflies, and scale insects often establish tender new growth early in the season. Removing dead, damaged, or heavily infested plants reduces overwintering populations and minimizes the risk of rapid outbreaks once favorable conditions develop.
Equipment readiness is equally critical. Before spring applications begin, calibrate sprayers, fertilizer spreaders, and chemigation systems to ensure accurate delivery rates and uniform coverage. Check nozzles for wear, confirm pressure settings, and repair leaks. Proper calibration not only improves pest control efficacy but also prevents phytotoxicity, reduces product waste, and ensures compliance with label requirements. This is also a good time to review pesticide inventory and verify that products are properly stored and within expiration dates. Updating and reinforcing your Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program should be part of spring preparation. Establish a consistent scouting schedule and designate trained personnel responsible for monitoring crops. Use tools such as sticky cards, pheromone traps, and regular plant inspections to detect pest activity early. Accurate identification and threshold-based decision-making allow for targeted treatments and help prevent unnecessary applications. Early detection remains one of the most cost-effective pest management strategies in nursery production. Inspect irrigation systems before peak demand by checking drip lines, emitters, sprinklers, and pumps for leaks or uneven distribution, as poor irrigation can stress plants and increase susceptibility to disease and pests. Test growing media for pH and soluble salts, and ensure fertilization programs, especially controlled-release fertilizers, are properly applied to support healthy growth. Implement early weed control with uniform pre-emergent applications and winter weed removal to reduce competition and pest reservoirs. Provide staff with refresher training on scouting, safety, equipment use, and recordkeeping. A well-organized spring plan strengthens plant health, reduces pest pressure, and supports a successful nursery season. This week, from Monday through Wednesday, TNLA was in Washington, D.C. as part of AmericanHort’s Impact Washington Fly-In. Texas brought one of the largest state delegations in the country to advocate and educate our U.S. Senators and Representatives. Nine TNLA members participated alongside more than 120 advocates from across the nation. These fly-ins are always fast and frantic, as we zigzag across Capitol Hill to meet with as many legislators and staff as possible. But they are also one of the most important ways we make sure the voice of the Texas green industry is heard in our nation’s capital. Key Issues We RaisedWorkforce & Labor (H-2A & H-2B) Our industry depends on seasonal and year-round workers to grow, install, and maintain landscapes. The H-2A and H-2B visa programs are vital, but both need reform. We called on Congress to expand access, streamline applications, and modernize wage calculations so that businesses can meet labor needs while keeping costs predictable. Without these improvements, growers and landscape businesses face growing shortages that threaten their ability to operate. Tariffs, Trade & Supply Chain Tariffs on key horticulture inputs are driving up costs across the board. Many of these products cannot be produced anywhere in the U.S.—leaving green industy businesses no alternatives. We urged Congress to support a transparent and functional exclusion process so businesses can reliably access the inputs they need without being burdened by unfair costs. Farm Bill The Farm Bill expires on October 1, 2025. While it’s a cornerstone for agriculture, too often specialty crops and horticulture are left out. Current programs lock our industry out of crop insurance and other protections. We pushed for a bipartisan Farm Bill that reflects the realities of horticulture, ensuring access to risk management tools and expanding support for nursery, greenhouse, and landscape operations. Why It MattersFrom labor shortages to supply chain costs to ensuring our growers have a safety net, these policies directly affect the health and competitiveness of Texas’ horticulture industry. Trips like this Fly-In show how TNLA is actively fighting for our members’ businesses—from Washington, D.C. to back home in Texas. Questions?Contact Director of Legislative & Regulatory Affairs, Curtis Smith by email [email protected] or call him at 512-579-3851 or Legislative & Regulatory Affairs Manager, Karan Mehta by email [email protected] or call him at 512-579-3874
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AuthorKim Cabrera, TNLA Marketing Manager Archives
April 2026
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