Lucerne seed web moth

Overview:

Etiella behrii, commonly known as the Lucerne Moth or Bean Pod Borer, is a species of moth that can be a significant pest in various leguminous crops. Native to Australia, this moth is known for its larvae, which bore into and feed on the pods and seeds of host plants.

Detailed Appearance:

• Adult Lucerne Moths have a wingspan of about 15 to 25 mm.
• The forewings are mottled brown with distinctive markings.
• The hindwings are lighter in color.

Life Cycle:

• The life cycle includes egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages.
• Female moths lay eggs on the flowers and pods of host plants.
• Larvae hatch and bore into the pods, feeding on developing seeds.
• Mature larvae pupate in silken cocoons.
• Adults emerge from pupae, and the cycle continues.

Identification of Crop Infestation:

• Presence of larvae inside pods, feeding on seeds and causing damage.
• Entry holes and frass (excrement) near feeding sites on pods.
• Adult moths may be observed around host plants during the night.

Management Strategies:

• Cultural Controls:

  • Regularly monitor crops for signs of Lucerne Moth infestation.
  • Harvest crops promptly to reduce the exposure of pods to egg-laying moths.

• Biological Controls:

  • Introduce natural enemies such as parasitoid wasps and predatory beetles.
  • Conserve and enhance the populations of beneficial insects in the ecosystem.

• Chemical Controls:

  • Apply insecticides labeled for Lucerne Moth control when larval populations exceed economic thresholds.
  • Follow recommended application rates and safety guidelines.

• Crop Rotation:

  • Practice crop rotation to disrupt the life cycle and reduce Lucerne Moth populations.
  • Rotate with non-host crops to break the cycle of infestation.

• Trapping:

  • Use pheromone traps to monitor adult moth activity.
  • Traps can help detect the presence of moths and guide control measures.