The occurrence and harmfulness of box tree moth Cydalima perspectalis (Walker, 1859) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) in the Podkarpackie Province (SE Poland)

Abstract

Boxwood Buxus sempervirens L. is an ornamental bush very often found in utilitarian greenery. Boxwood is a host for several important mite and insect pests of which the box tree moth Cydalima perspectalis (Walker, 1859) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) is currently the greatest threat to B. sempervirens in Poland. Uncontrolled feeding of caterpillars of this moth leads to complete defoliation of the affected plants, which results in rapid and often massive dying of boxwood bushes. The aim of the study was to assess its biology, harmfulness and analyze the expansion and extent of the box tree moth in southeastern Poland in the last five years. The deepening problem of the rapid and uncontrolled expansion of the box tree moth in the Podkarpackie Province was caused by the lack of a methodology for monitoring and controlling the population of this species and the lack of registered plant protection products dedicated to its control.