pink bollworm

American  

noun

1. the larva of a gelechiid moth, Pectinophora gossypiella, that feeds on the seeds of the bolls of cotton and was introduced into cotton-growing regions of the world from Asia.

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Etymology

Origin of pink bollworm

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

Department of Agriculture is seeking to enlist such techniques to eradicate an invasive diamondback moth in New York, which eats vegetable crops, and a cotton-munching pink bollworm in Arizona.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 15, 2022

As the pests, such as pink bollworm and aphids, became increasingly resistant to chemical spraying, farmers reacted by laying on even more, sometimes mixing two or more products against all scientific evidence.

From Time Magazine Archive

So far, the pink bollworm population has not rebounded, indicating that the feared resistance to Bt has not yet developed.

From Time Magazine Archive

Gov ernment agencies do 10.001 jobs, from building battleships to advising farmers about the pink bollworm.

From Time Magazine Archive

The new substance, being marketed by Albany International under the trade name Gossyplure H.F., is actually a synthesized version of the scent given off by female pink bollworm moths.

From Time Magazine Archive