New Jersey greenhouse may be infested with pepper moths

A New Jersey greenhouse has a probable European pepper moth infestation, according to a post on the Rutgers Cooperative Extension website. Both adults and larvae have been found.

The post continues, "The female moth lay eggs singly or in small egg masses similar to European corn borer on the underside of leaves and upon hatching the larvae descend into the soil feeding on roots and stems of both woody and herbaceous host plants. Severe damage including plant death may occur from the larvae girdling the stems."

Caterpillars usually produce webbing in the area of their feeding. They can be found in the soil mix, between containers, and even under plant trays. The plant host range is extensive with many ornamental plants, potted flowers, and vegetable bedding plants being susceptible.

European pepper moth have been found in several states since 2004. They've also been located in Canada. The dispersal of the moth is largely through the transporation of infested plants.

Officials have sent samples Systematic Entomology Laboratory for identification. For more information visit the Rutgers Cooperative Extension website.