1. False coding moth, Cryptophlebia sp. (Lepidoptera : Tortricidae)
Host plants : Citrus, maize
Life cycle :
Flattish, oval and whitish eggs are laid singly or in groups on the fruits. After 3-6 days the larvae emerge. They are whitish pink in colour and grow to about 15 mm long. After 8-12 days, a small brown moth emerges with a wingspan of about 16 mm. The females live for about a week and lay 100 - 400 eggs.
|
|
|
Damage pattern:
If the fruits are immature, the young larvae will bore directly into the seeds, which is completely eaten. The entrance hole which the young larvae have bored into the fruit, leaves a yellow spot on the skin. The flesh of the fruit where the larvae are feeding becomes contaminated with their excrements. Infested fruits fall prematurely. Secondary infections due to fungus can also occur. |
|
1. Sanitation:
Fallen infested fruits should be collected twice a week. This could be composted or buried 50 - 100 cm deep in the ground.
2. Bagging:
Cover the fruit panicles with paper bags or fine net to exclude the pests. |
2. Fruit borer, Conopomorpha sp. (Lepidoptera : Gracillaridae)
Host plants : Rambutan, litchi
Life cycle :
Yellow scale-like eggs are laid on the fruits as well as on the leaves and shoots. The eggs hactch in 3 - 5 days and the larvae immediately penetrate the fruits, leaves or shoots. Mature larvae are 6 - 10 mm in length and brownish in colour, or green if they have fed on the leaves. After 8-12 days, they leave the feeding sites to pupate under mature leaves. The moth emerges after 5-7 days. During the off-season, when fruit is not available to the pest, it can survive by feeding on young leaves and shoots. |
|
|
Damage pattern:
The larvae feed in the fruits and damaged fruits may fall from the tree. Damaged leaves and shoots are not serious as fruits are often preferred.
|
|
1. Sanitation:
Fallen infested fruits should be collected twice a week. This could be composted or buried 50-100 cm deep in the ground.
2. Bagging:
Cover the fruit panicles with paper bags or fine net to exclude the pests.
3. Pruning:
Prune branches to remove any remaining fruits that might harbour pupae of the pest.
4. Spraying:
No insecticide is recommended for these pests in Malaysia.
In Taiwan, China and Thailand, the following chemicals are used:
Permethrin Cypermethrin Deltamethrin Fenthion
Chemicals are sprayed during early fruit set to prevent pest damage during fruit maturation.
|