An article in today's Dallas-Fort Worth Star Telegram credits research on Dauphin Island with progress towards stopping the advance of the cactus moth. The moth, an invasive species from South America, targets the prickly pear cactus. It's feared the prickly pear could be completly wiped out if the spread of the cactus moth cannot be halted.
On Dauphin Island, Ala., the U.S. Agriculture Department is funding an experimental project that introduces sterile males to halt the insect’s reproduction, similar to the successful project to control the Mediterranean fruit fly.
The test is showing some signs of success at stopping the cactus moth, said Joel Floyd, team leader for emergency planning for plant protection and quarantine with the USDA.