Development of an on-site LAMP assay for identification of Thaumatotibia leucotreta and Helicoverpa armigera larvae on rose

Current phytosanitary (import) measures for the false codling moth, Thaumatotibia leucotreta (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) and the cotton bollworm moth Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), do not provide protection to countries located in southern and central portions of the European Union (EU). Only glasshouses in northern parts of the EU benefit from EU wide phytosanitary regulation. The primary pathway for introduction of T. leucotreta and H. armigera into glasshouses in northern parts of the EU is via the import of cut flowers such as roses and to a lesser extent natural spread or migration. A limitating factor to the management and control of T. leucotreta and H. armigera is accurate identification. The aim of this study was to develop a loop mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay for specific identification of T. leucotreta and H. armigera.