APHIS Adds Seed and Underground Crops to the Exempted Host List for the Light Brown Apple Moth (Epiphyas postvittana) in California

Host

(Scientific Name)

Host

(Common Name)

Justification for Exemption

Actinidia spp.

Kiwifruit

Pest management guidelines in California for kiwifruit include visual inspection at prebloom and bloom; chemical application if applicable.

Kiwifruit is hand harvested; leaves removed; thoroughly inspected prior to packing.

Allium cepa

Green Onion (with tops cut)

IPM practices implemented by producers, including the use of routine chemical applications that are designed to suppress Lepidoptera pests; also target LBAM. In addition, green onions are hand-picked; tops cut by hand, inspected, washed, and packed.  

Allium cepa

Onion, dry

This product is harvested; tops removed; cured in the field prior to storage. Before packing, the onion is thoroughly inspected.

Host

(Scientific Name)

Host

(Common Name)

Justification for Exemption

Allium sativum

Garlic

This product is harvested; tops removed; cured in the field prior to storage. Before packing, the garlic is thoroughly inspected.

Apium spp.

Celery

IPM practices implemented by producers, including the use of routine chemical applications that are designed to suppress Lepidoptera pests, also target LBAM. Harvest practices focus heavily on visual inspection of leaves in the field before packing and any blemished product does not leave the production site. Leaves are washed and inspected again before packing.

Asparagus officinalis

Asparagus

Only the asparagus spears are harvested. After harvest they are washed, inspected and bundled before packing and shipping. Any blemished spears would be culled in the field.

Beta spp.

Beet

This root crop is generally harvested mechanically with leaves removed in the field.

Beets are processed in packing plants where they are washed, brushed, inspected and packaged before shipping.

Host

(Scientific Name)

Host

(Common Name)

Justification for Exemption

Brassica spp.

Broccoli

Brussel sprouts

Cauliflower

Cabbage

Kale

Bok Choy

Kohlrabi

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices implemented by producers, including the use of routine chemical applications that are designed to suppress Lepidoptera pests, also target LBAM. In addition, harvesting and packaging practices provide the safeguard necessary to eliminate the risk of harboring LBAM. As each of the listed Brassica spp. commodities is handpicked, the outer leaves are removed, and inspected for quality, as well as ensuring freedom from pests and diseases before packing and storage. Blemished commodities do not leave the production area and are either disked into the ground or consumed locally.

Brassica spp.

Mustard

Collards

In addition to the above practices, mustard leaves and collards are carefully washed and inspected again prior to packing and storage.

Capsicum spp.

Peppers

Only the peppers are harvested (no leaves) and the product is inspected thoroughly before shipping from the field.

Citrullus lanatus

Citrullus vulgaris

Watermelon

This product is harvested without leaves; visually inspected prior to packing.

Citrus spp.

Citrus fruit

(conventionally produced)

LBAM survival on citrus is low compared with non-citrus hosts. The combination of low field prevalence and packing procedures make it highly unlikely that a foundation LBAM population could be moved out of the quarantine area with citrus fruit after conventional production and harvesting.

Coriander sativum

Cilantro

IPM practices implemented by producers, including the routine use of chemical applications that are designed to suppress Lepidoptera pests; also target LBAM; product is handpicked; inspected; hydro-cooled.

Cucumis melo

Melons

IPM practices implemented by producers, including routine use of chemical applications that are designed to suppress Lepidoptera pests; also target LBAM; product is handpicked; inspected prior to packing.

Host

(Scientific Name)

Host

(Common Name)

Justification for Exemption

Cucumis sativus

Cucumbers

LBAM does not appear to be a pest of cucumbers. Additionally, IPM practices implemented by producers would minimize risk of LBAM survival; fruit is hand harvested; visually inspected prior to packing; stored and shipped at low temperatures.

Cucurbita spp.

Squash

Pumpkin

Only the squash and pumpkin are harvested (no leaves) and the product is inspected thoroughly before shipping from the field.

Cynara scolymus

Globe artichoke

Only artichoke thistle flower heads are harvested and are inspected twice before packing and shipping from the field to the cooler. They are inspected again at the cooler before final packing and shipping to market.

Daucus carota

Carrot

IPM practices implemented by producers, including routine use of chemical applications that are designed to suppress Lepidoptera pests; also target LBAM. Product is handpicked, inspected and washed prior to packing.

Diospyros kaki

Persimmon

Pest management in California for persimmon, including hand harvesting, leave removal, and visual inspection, minimize the likelihood of LBAM movement.

Foeniculum vulgare

Fennel

IPM practices implemented by producers, including routine use of chemical applications that are designed to suppress Lepidoptera pests; also target LBAM. Product is handpicked; inspected prior to packing.

Fragaria x ananassa

Strawberry (conventionally produced)

Based on evidence and our current understanding of LBAM biology, we have determined that it is appropriate to remove picked-and-packed fresh strawberry fruit produced using conventional

(non‐organic) field‐production methodologies.

Fragaria spp.

Strawberry (dormant, frozen strawberry nursery stock)

The product is dormant, frozen strawberry nursery stock grown by State certified producers.  

Host

(Scientific Name)

Host

(Common Name)

Justification for Exemption

Gossypium hirsutum

Gossypium barbadense

Cotton

IPM practices implemented by producers include routine use of chemical applications that are effective on LBAM.   Product is harvested mechanically; heated; ginned; and compressed into bales.

Juglans spp.

Walnuts

All commercial walnuts are mechanically harvested free of husks and leaves and are taken in bins to packing plants where they are inspected thoroughly before packing.

Lactuca sativa

Head Lettuce

IPM practices implemented by producers, including the use of routine chemical applications that are designed to suppress Lepidoptera pests, also target LBAM. In addition, harvesting and packaging practices provide the safeguard necessary to eliminate the risk of harboring LBAM. Each head of lettuce is handpicked; the outer leaves are removed, and inspected for quality, as well as ensuring freedom from pests and diseases before packing and storage. Blemished lettuce heads do not leave the production site and are either disked into the ground or consumed locally.

Lactuca sativa

Leaf Lettuce

IPM practices implemented by producers, including the use of routine chemical applications that are designed to suppress Lepidoptera pests, also target LBAM. In addition, leaf lettuce is mechanically harvested, thoroughly washed, and then inspected before shipping from the regulated area.

Malus domestica

Apple

Apple producer best management practices greatly reduce both the prevalence of LBAM in production areas and the likelihood that LBAM will be present on market-ready commodities. Movement of commercially produced apples represents a low risk pathway for establishment of new LBAM infestations after conventional production and harvesting.

Olea spp.

Olive

The product is handpicked and placed in bins that are immediately taken to packing plants where the olives are placed in a brine solution for curing.

Host

(Scientific Name)

Host

(Common Name)

Justification for Exemption

Opuntia spp.

Tuna (fruit and pad)

(Prickly pear)

This product is handpicked, allowing for in-field inspection.   In addition to this, processing and packaging practices involving the use of hot water dip, spine removal, and post-harvest storage provides the safeguard necessary to eliminate the risk of harboring or reinfestation of LBAM.

Persea americana

Avocado (conventionally and organically grown)

Analysis of commercial production practices determined avocadoes present a low risk of dispersing viable populations of the pest. Standard practices include thorough inspection and hand packing of each harvested fruit, with damaged fruit culled. The commercial processing would result in the detection and removal of any leaves attached to the fruit, any larvae or pupae hidden underneath the leaves, and any larvae or pupae present without leaves.

Petroselinum crispum

Parsley

IPM practices implemented by producers, including the use of routine chemical applications that are designed to suppress Lepidoptera pests, also target LBAM. Harvest practices focus heavily on visual inspection of leaves in the field before packing and any blemished product does not leave the production site. Leaves are washed and inspected again before packing.

Phaseolus vulgaris

Green beans

IPM practices implemented by producers including chemical application greatly reduce LBAM if present in production areas.

Beans are either machine or hand harvested; visually inspected prior to packing.

Pistacia vera

Pistachio

Commercial pistachios are mechanically harvested; dried; leaves removed; visual inspection during packing.

Prunus amygdalus

Prunus dulcis

Almond

Commercial almonds are mechanically harvested; dried; fumigated. Leaves and hulls are removed; visual inspection of nuts prior to packing.

Host

(Scientific Name)

Host

(Common Name)

Justification for Exemption

Prunus avium

Cherry

The combination of low field prevalence and packing procedures make it highly unlikely that a foundation LBAM population could be moved out of the quarantine area with cherry fruit after conventional production and harvesting.

Prunus persica,

P. armeniaca,

P. persica var. nucipersica,

P. persica, P. domestica or

P. salicina,

P. armeniaca x P. domestica x P. armeniaca,

P. armeniaca x P. domestica x P. domestica

Stone fruit (peaches, plums, nectarines, and apricots)

IPM practices implemented by producers, including routine chemical applications to suppress Lepidoptera pests, keep LBAM prevalence very low in stone fruit production areas. The combination of low field prevalence and packing procedures (i.e. hand packing and refrigeration at 1°C prior to shipment) make it highly unlikely that a foundation LBAM population could be moved out of the quarantine area with stone fruit.

Punica granatum

Pomegranate

This product is harvested without leaves; washed; brushed; waxed; inspected during packing.

Pyrus communis

Pear

Attributes of pears and the industry practices, such as monitoring for pests, application of mating disruption, visual inspection, and hand-packing without leaves provide further mitigations to prevent human assisted dispersal of LBAM.

Rhaphanus sativus

Daikon

IPM practices implemented by producers including chemical application greatly reduce LBAM if present in production areas.

Daikon, with or without tops, is hand-picked; washed; and visually inspected prior to packing.

Raphanus spp.

Radish (w/o tops)

This root crop is generally harvested mechanically with leaves removed in the field. Radishes are processed through packing plants where they are washed, brushed, inspected and packaged before shipping.

Host

(Scientific Name)

Host

(Common Name)

Justification for Exemption

Spinacia oleracea

Spinach

IPM practices implemented by producers, including the use of routine chemical applications that are designed to suppress Lepidoptera pests, also target LBAM. In addition, spinach is mechanically harvested, thoroughly washed, and then inspected before shipping from the regulated area.

Solanum lycopersicum

Tomato

Only the tomatoes are harvested (no leaves) and the product is inspected thoroughly before shipping from the field.

Solanum melongena

Eggplant

IPM practices implemented by producers would minimize risk of LBAM survival; fruit is hand harvested; visually inspected prior to packing; stored and shipped at low temperatures.

Solanum spp.

Potato

This root crop is generally harvested mechanically with no leaves attached. Potatoes are processed in packing plants where they are washed, brushed, inspected and packaged before shipping.

Taraxacum officinale

Dandelion green

IPM practices implemented by producers, including routine use of chemical applications that are designed to suppress Lepidoptera pests; also target LBAM. Product is handpicked; inspected prior to packing.

Vaccinium spp.

Blueberry

IPM practices implemented by producers including monitoring and surveillance greatly reduce LBAM if present; fruit is hand harvested; leaves removed; visually inspected prior to packing.

Various species of forage, no scientific name provided

Baled Hay

This product is generally harvested mechanically, dried, and compressed into bales.

Various species of fruit, no scientific name provided

Dried Fruit (such as raisins, dates, etc)

Analysis of scientific literature showed that LBAM is not a storage pest.

Vitis vinifera

Table grapes

IPM practices implemented by producers minimize risk of LBAM; fruit is hand harvested; visually inspected prior to packing; stored and shipped at low temperatures.

Host

(Scientific Name)

Host

(Common Name)

Justification for Exemption

Vitis vinifera

Wine grapes

IPM practices implemented by producers minimize risk of LBAM; fruit is harvested in a manner that is not conducive to maintaining live larvae, visually inspected prior to packing, stored and shipped at low temperatures. Green waste, the product left after the processing of wine grapes, is simply the next step in the same pathway, thus green waste is also exempt.

Zea mays

Sweet Corn

IPM practices implemented by producers, including the use of routine chemical applications that are designed to suppress Lepidoptera pests, also target LBAM.

In addition to this, processing and packaging practices involving the use of an ice water bath immediately followed by the commodity being packed in ice for shipment provides the safeguard necessary to eliminate the risk of harboring or reinfestation of LBAM.

Ziziphus jujube

Jujube

Fruit is hand harvested without leaves; inspected prior to packing.

Brassica rapa rapa

Turnips (w/o tops)

Analysis of scientific literature showed that LBAM are not associated with harvested commodity.

Pastinaca sativa

Parsnips (w/o tops)

Analysis of scientific literature showed that LBAM are not associated with harvested commodity.

Brassica napobrassica

Rutabaga

Analysis of scientific literature showed that LBAM are not associated with harvested commodity.

Various

Seed crops without any plant material

Analysis of scientific literature showed that LBAM are not associated with harvested commodity.

Solanum sisymbriifolium

Litchi tomato (harvested as a horticultural fruit)

IPM practices implemented by producers, including the use of routine chemical applications that are designed to suppress Lepidoptera pests, also target LBAM.

In addition to this, processing and packaging practices provides the safeguard necessary to eliminate the risk of harboring LBAM.

Solanum melongena

Eggplant

(harvested as a horticultural fruit)

IPM practices implemented by producers, including the use of routine chemical applications that are designed to suppress Lepidoptera pests, also target LBAM.

In addition to this, processing and packaging practices provides the safeguard necessary to eliminate the risk of harboring LBAM.

Cucurbita pepo var. cylindrical

Zucchini

(harvested as a horticultural fruit)

IPM practices implemented by producers, including the use of routine chemical applications that are designed to suppress Lepidoptera pests, also target LBAM.

In addition to this, processing and packaging practices provides the safeguard necessary to eliminate the risk of harboring LBAM.

Host

(Scientific Name)

Host

(Common Name)

Justification for Exemption

Cactaceae

Commercially grown cacti

Eligible due to non-host status.

Cycadales

Commercially grown cycads

Eligible due to non-host status.

Fragaria spp.

Strawberry (dormant, frozen strawberry nursery stock)

The product is dormant, frozen strawberry nursery stock grown by State certified producers.  

Palmaceae

Commercially grown palms

Eligible due to non-host status.

Succulents:

Agavaceae - Mangave

Aizoaceae-Aloinopsis, Antimima, Aptenia, Argyroderma, Carpobrotus, Cephalophyllum, Cerochlamys, Conophytum, Cylindrophyllum, Delosperma, Dinteranthus, Drosantemum, Faucaria, Fenestriaria, Frithia, Gibbaem, Glottiphyllum, Lampranthus, Lapidaria, Lithops, Oscularia, Pleiospilos, Rabiea, Rhombophyllum, Ruschia, Schwantesia, Titanopsis, and Trichodiadema.

Aloaceae – Gasteraloe, Gasterworthia

Amaryllidaceae - Allium

Apocynaceae - Caralluma, Ceropegia, Cynanchum, Fockea, Hoodia, Huernia, Orbea, Stapelia

Asparagaceae - Agave, Aloe, Bowiea, Calibanus, Dasylirion, Drimiopsis, Furcraea, Gasteria, Haworthia, Hesperaloe, Ledebouria, Ornithogalum, Sansevierea, Veltheimia, Yucca

Commelinaceae - Tradescantia

Compositae - Kleinia, Othonna

Crassulaceae - Adromischus, Aeonium, Aichryson, Bryophyllum, Cotyledon, Cotyledon, Crassula, Crassula, Cremnosedum, Dudleya, Echeveria, Graptopetalum, Graptosedum, Graptoveria, Jovibarba, Kalanchoe, Monanthes, Orostachys, Pachyphytum, Pachysedum, Pachyveria, Rosularia, Sedeveria, Sedum, Sempervivella, Sempervivum, Tacitus

Cucurbitaceae - Xerosycos

Didiereaceae - Alluaudia, Didierea

Dioscoreaceae - Dioscorea, Testudinaria

Euphorbiaceae - Monadenium, Pedilanthus, Synadenium.

Fouquieriaceae - Fouquieria

Gesneriaceae - Reichsteinaria

Malvaceae – Bombax

Piperaceae - Peperomia

Portulacaceae - Anacampseros, Calandrinia, Portulaca, Portulacaria

Vitaceae - Cyphostemma

Xanthorrhoeaceae - Bulbine

Various genera of commercially grown succulents, as provided. With the exception of succulents of the genera Senecio and Euphorbia.

Eligible due to non-host status. Possible host associations with members of the genera Senecio and Euphorbia do not allow those plants to be exempted at this time.

These commodities pose no or very low risk of spreading LBAM from infested areas due to the morphological nature of the plants, the general and LBAM specific integrated pest management (IPM) practiced in nurseries and the nature of the commercial trade of cacti and succulents.

Host

(Scientific Name)

Host

(Common Name)

Justification for Exemption

Various

Propagative material:

Bulbs, tissue cultivated plantlets callused vegetative cuttings, seedlings, divisions, unrooted vegetative cuttings, callused vegetative cuttings, rooted vegetative cuttings, under condition that the plants do not exceed 10 cm in height.

These commodities pose no or very low risk of spreading LBAM from infested areas due to the morphological nature of the plants, the general and LBAM specific integrated pest management (IPM) practices in nurseries and the nature of the commercial trade of propagative material. Further definitions of the plant material are provided in the Pest Risk Evaluation of propagative material.

Various

Cut flowers and floral greenery (commercially produced)

IPM practices and industry standards for handling commercially produced cut flowers and floral greenery, minimize the likelihood of LBAM movement.