The Host Matrix is a tool for identifying targets for bundled survey by pest or host. It is available in a searchable online table or a downloadable spreadsheet on the CAPS Resource and Collaboration website. The Host Matrix is updated annually to reflect changes in the Priority Pest list. The Host Matrix only contains major hosts of current CAPS Priority Pests and is not an exhaustive host list.

Hints on Using the Searchable Online Table

Search by the pest or host using the available filters. Searching by pest will return all the major hosts of that particular pest. Searching by host will reveal each pest that causes significant damage to the respective host.

Hints on Using the Host Matrix Excel File

The Host Matrix is also available for download as an Excel file. Click on "Enable Editing" to be able to sort the columns. The agronomic and fruit/vegetable hosts are on the first workbook tab named "Commodity & Crop Hosts." The tree and shrub hosts are located on the "Trees & Shrub Hosts" tab. To filter the pests by a host of interest, click on the arrow underneath the host name, then select only the triangle icon. This will sort the pests to only those that are a major host. Pest lists filtered by host are a useful way to identify additional pests to include in bundled surveys. Hosts not appearing in pest search results are not considered major hosts of the pest, but they may be minor or transient hosts. See the CAPS datasheet for more detailed host information.

Major Hosts

The Host Matrix contains important hosts at risk, or 'major hosts.' Major hosts are defined as hosts that are listed as major, primary, or preferred in the literature with direct evidence of economic or environmental damage. See the CAPS Datasheets and Approved Methods pest pages for more information about preferred hosts, host systems (e.g. forests, nurseries, etc.), and hosts appropriate for survey.

Mollusks

In general, mollusks are not host-specific and they are best surveyed for along a potential pathway of introduction. For this reason, mollusks were not included in this matrix.

Weeds/Parasitic Plants

The weeds on the Priority Pest List are not associated with a specific host and were not included in the Host Matrix.

Pests of Stored Products

Pests of stored products, such as Trogoderma granarium (Khapra beetle), are not included in the Host Matrix. These pests are not host-specific and they are best surveyed for along a potential pathway of introduction.