In February 2007, light brown apple moth (LBAM), Epiphyas postvittan, was discovered in the Bay Area, the first finding of this insect in North America. Subsequent surveys in March found additional infestations covering a 30-square-mile region in Alameda and Contra Costa counties, including areas around Berkeley, Albany, Richmond and Alameda.
The California Department of Food and Agriculture considers LBAM an "A-rated" pest of high concern due to the pest's significant economic threat to agriculture. CDFA and USDA are working together to develop regulatory measures to reduce the chances for additional spread.
Native to Australia, LBAM is a significant pest of grapevines there (it made the cover of the Australian version of the Grape Pest Management Manual). It is a leafroller-type moth that is generally considered the most important insect pest in Australian vineyards. Larvae emerging in the spring may cause direct yield loss by feeding upon flowers and newly set berries, while the later summer generation can cause further fruit damage, particularly if hatching coincides with bunch closure. LBAM in clusters can also contribute to the development of botrytis bunch rot. In many Australian vineyards, insecticides are applied on a regular basis to minimize damage from this pest.
LBAM is also found in New Zealand, Ireland, the United Kingdom and Hawaii. Its host range is broad, with more than 200 plant species known to be susceptible to attack. Major domestic hosts of concern are grapes, stone fruit (peaches, plums, nectarines and apricots), apples, pears, cherries and citrus.
See these reports for more information:
CDFA Finding of Emergency (3/07)
HortNet New Zealand has these pages and more on LBAM: