Snježana Hrnčić Biotechnical Faculty, University of Montenegro, Podgorica, Montenegro

Sanja Radonjić Biotechnical Faculty, University of Montenegro, Podgorica, Montenegro

DOI: https://doi.org/10.7251/AGREN1704275H

Abstract

Box tree moth, Cydalima perspectalis was detected for the first time in June 2014 when severe devastation of Buxus sp. was noticed in urban area of the city of Herceg Novi. In the next several months, the pest rapidly spread along the Montenegro seacoast. The tendency of spreading was continued in the following years. Severely infested box trees were completely dried out, while on those that still were partially green, leaves were markedly chewed and webbed by silk together with twigs. Damages are usually noticed late because young larvae are deeply hidden among Buxus twigs and leaves. Mature larvae can completely defoliate Buxus bushes and plants can lose all the leaves within a short period. Morphological features of development stages of the pest were observed in laboratory. Since box trees are traditionally important horticultural plants in Montenegro, this pest could be a serious problem for landscaping and nursery production.