Recently, protocols for the management of the false codling moth (Thaumatotibia Leucotreta) in roses in Kenya has been published. The objective of the publication is to provide growers and exporters of roses with protocols and technical assistance to produce and export roses that are free from false codling moth, by offering both pre- and post-harvest management techniques.
The publication has been prepared by the Kenya Flower Council Technical Committee, with the support of the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS), Fresh Produce Exporters Association of Kenya (FPEAK), Kenya Agricultural & Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) and the Europe-Africa-Caribbean-Pacific Liaison Committee (COLEACP) in the scope of its NExT Kenya programme.
What is false codling moth?
Thaumatotibia leucotreta is commonly known as false codling moth (FCM). The caterpillars (larval stage) attack more than 70 host plants, many of them horticultural crops with fruit, pods and berries, such as beans, grapes, citrus, capsicum, avocado, guava, pomegranate and ornamental plants. They also attack macadamia, cotton, tea and a wide range of wild plants. However, this pest is particularly problematic on roses grown for cut flowers, as female moths are attracted to lay their eggs on the flower heads as well as other parts of the plant.
In recent years, consignments of roses from Kenya to Europe have been intercepted due to the presence of FCM. The detection within a consignment of a single living individual of FCM at any stage of development leads to rejection of the whole consignment. This
is because the European Commission (EC) includes FCM on its list of harmful organisms recommended for regulation as quarantine pests to prevent its introduction into Europe, where it could attack a range of outdoor and glasshouse crops.
Read the full publication at www.fpeak.org (PDF).
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