The PBW is the most damaging, profit-stealing pest in Arizona cotton. Wherever the pest is found, female PBW moths lay eggs on bolls. The emerging larvae damage the boll by feeding on the seed; damaging the lint in the process. The damaged boll creates a potential pathway for other insects and fungi to enter. See here for complete story.

(For more, see: Pink bollworm control: greatest environmental story seldom told)