The Oriental fruit moth (OFM), Grapholita molesta Busck, has become a major pest of tree fruits since its introduction into the United States in the early 20th century. While historically a more important peach pest, major outbreaks on apple (since 1998) have caused significant problems in the eastern mid-Atlantic region. While shortcomings in growers’ management approaches and changes in the chemical control arsenal may help to explain some of these problems, our preliminary work has shown that host-driven effects may also help to explain outbreak situations on apples. Observed differences in OFM development, survival, reproduction, and behavior between peach and apple may be contributing to problems in appropriate delivery of pest control tactics in the orchard, especially with regards to timing. Because OFM develop differently on apples and peaches, more accurate phenological models and control timing recommendations may need to be developed.
Species 1: Lepidoptera Tortricidae Grapholita molesta (oriental fruit moth)
Keywords: tree fruit pest management
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