description Pink bollworm moth Overview
The pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella, is a small gelechiid moth whose larvae attack cotton bolls. Females lay eggs on the bolls, and the larvae feed inside them on seeds and fibers, reducing cotton yield and quality. The species has been a serious pest in cotton-growing regions worldwide; in the United States, a federal and industry eradication program declared it eradicated from commercial cotton in 2018.
help Pink bollworm moth FAQ
What is the pink bollworm?
The pink bollworm is Pectinophora gossypiella, a small gelechiid moth and major cotton pest. Its larvae attack cotton bolls and feed inside the seeds and fibers.
How does the pink bollworm damage cotton?
Females lay eggs on cotton bolls, and the larvae tunnel inside them. Feeding damage can reduce both cotton yield and fiber quality.
Where do pink bollworm larvae feed?
They feed inside cotton bolls, especially on the seeds and surrounding fibers. This protected feeding site can make infestations difficult to detect early.
Why is Pectinophora gossypiella important to cotton growers?
It has been a serious pest in cotton-growing regions because its larvae directly damage the harvested part of the plant. Control programs must address both the moth and its protected larval stage.
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