Best Bollworm
The pink bollworm is the moth species Pectinophora gossypiella, an agricultural pest of cotton in many cotton-growing regions. Its larvae enter cotton bolls and feed on the seeds and associated fibers, damaging the developing crop and reducing the value of harvested cotton. The species was described...
Why this score?
Historically destructive cotton pest with major eradication focus; consensus heavily shaped by economic harm and resistance issues.
Scoring methodology
Old World bollworm is the noctuid moth Helicoverpa armigera, described by Jacob Hübner in 1808. It is a highly polyphagous agricultural pest whose larvae feed on more than 180 plant species, including cotton, corn, tomatoes, peppers, soybeans, and small grains, and damage flowers, fruits, and cotton...
Why this score?
Extremely destructive global crop pest with pesticide resistance concerns; scientific importance is outweighed by severe agricultural reputation.
Scoring methodology
