Pickleworm [Diaphania nitidalis Cramer]

The Pickleworm Biocontrol Project was put on hold for the present time as the branch's focus has shifted to the Erythrina Gall Wasp Biocontrol Project, which was given a higher priority due to the severity of the damage being inflicted on the endemic wiliwili trees as well as on introduced ornamental Erythrina species. 

Another critical consideration was that, based on surveys and discussions with commercial farmers, timely insecticide applications are very effective in controlling  the pest. The pickleworm is already well dispersed on all four of the major Hawaiian Islands. A report from Maui indicated that only organic cucurbit growers are still having problems with the pest. A survey of an Oahu farm at Ewa in August 2006 revealed that the cucumber fields were free of pickleworm damage.  The grower reported that he was not using any insecticides to control the pickleworm. He firmly believed that his crop rotation practices and physical barriers were keeping the pest out of his plantings.  Funds for the USDA (CAPS) Pickleworm Survey Project were received in August 2006. Orders were placed to purchase traps and lures. A statewide survey of this pest will commence as soon as the traps and lures are received.