Preparing a Strategic Response Plan to Minimize the Impact of Helicoverpa armigera on Agriculture in the United States
Purpose
Old World Bollworm (
Helicoverpa armigera), a serious agricultural pest in many areas of the world, has recently become established in Puerto Rico. The likelihood of Old World Bollworm entering and establishing in the continental U.S. is high, given the pest's strong flying ability, polyphagous habits, and recent establishment in the Caribbean. A meeting will be held with multiple Federal agencies, international and university researchers, major agricultural commodity representatives, and extension representatives to develop a strategic response plan to address the potential establishment of Old World Bollworm in the United States.
The strategic response plan will focus on four areas: protection, detection, response, and recovery. During the meeting, a draft action plan will be developed for each area, along with identification of challenges and knowledge gaps.
Outcomes
The desired outcomes of this meeting are twofold:
1: to share OWB information with stakeholders,
2: to develop the strategic response plan to minimize the impact of Old World Bollworm on agriculture in the United States.