THE LEMON BORER MOTH - THE CITRUS FLOWER MOTH, PRAYS CITRI: Its biology and control on citrus

摘要

It was confirmed that the citrus flower moth, Prays citri, is the pest which is primarily or even exclusively responsible for oviposition, superficial larval penetration, gumming and ultimately necrotic blotching on lemon fruit. It was also determinedthat the first generation of citrus flower moth in spring attacks lemon blossoms and it is the second generation that oviposits on fruit, leading to blemishing of fruit and possibly even crop reduction. Two species of parasitoids were recorded attackingcitrus flower moth larvae. No clear relationship could be established between citrus flower moth trap catches, blossom infestation and fruit damage. Further research is therefore required in order to determine whether an intervention threshold can be established. Spray trials conducted during three different seasons confirmed that sprays should be directed against the first generation of larvae infesting blossoms, in order to prevent or reduce fruit damage by the ensuing generation. DiPel (Bacillus thuringiensis) worked adequately well to be regarded as a product of choice, particularly due to its IPM-compatibiliry.