The effects of extrafloral nectaries and ants on biological control of the oriental fruit moth [Grapholita molesta (Busck)]on peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch] were investigated in a replicated split-plot field experiment. Naturally occurring oriental fruit moth populations were monitored on peach trees with and without extrafloral nectaries or ants throughout the growing season. Natural enemy effectiveness at attacking various stages of the oriental fruit moth was compared for trees with and without extrafloral nectaries or ants, using sentinel oriental fruit moth affixed to the trees. Preliminary data indicate an association between natural enemies and trees bearing the extrafloral nectaries; however, there is potential for competitive interactions among ants and other natural enemies to interrupt biological control of the oriental fruit moth.
Species 1: Lepidoptera Tortricidae Grapholita molesta (oriental fruit moth)
Species 2: Hymenoptera Formicidae (ant)
Keywords: extrafloral nectaries, biological control
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