Clarissa R. Mathews, cmathews@shepherd.edu, Shepherd University, Institute for Environmental Studies, Shepherdstown, WV, Mark W. Brown, mbrown@afrs.ars.usda.gov, USDA-ARS, Appalachian Fruit Research Station, 45 Wiltshire Rd, Kearneysville, WV, and Dale G. Bottrell, db40@umail.umd.edu, University of Maryland, Department of Entomology, 4112 Plant Sciences Building, College Park, MD.
This study investigated if negative interactions between ants and other natural enemies that are associated with extrafloral nectaries (EFNs) result in decreased biological control of the oriental fruit moth (Grapholita molesta) on peach. Replicated plots of peach trees with or without EFNs were evaluated from 2003 - 2005. Limb exclusion cages and trunk exclusion bands were used to determine the relative contributions of ants, as compared to other natural enemies, to reducing sentinel oriental fruit moth. Tree vigor, fruit set, and insect damage were also evaluated for trees with and without EFNs. The results indicate that EFNs indirectly benefit the peach trees, through the actions of ants that use extrafloral resources, and that biological control of a key pest (oriental fruit moth) is not inhibited by EFN presence.
Species 1: Rosales Rosaceae
Prunus persica (peach)
Species 2: Lepidoptera Tortricidae
Grapholita molesta (Oriental fruit moth)
Keywords: biological control, EFNs
