Pea moth

Abstract

The pea moth (Cydia nigricana (Fabricius)) is one of the most serious pests of field and garden peas. Its caterpillars are found inside pea pods in the summer and are responsible for serious losses in some seasons, especially in the south and east of England. Not only do the caterpillars ruin the peas which they eat (Fig. 22.1), but their presence, even in small numbers, may reduce the economic value of the crop. In crops destined for freezing or canning, only a very small percentage of damaged peas can be tolerated owing to cleaning difficulties. However, actual damage to peas harvested dry tends to be greater because they are harvested later and exposed to attack for a longer period.