Fruit maturity and soundness relevant to feeding choice by fruit-piercing moths (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in citrus crops in northeast Australia

Abstract

Fruit-piercing moths are significant pests of a range of fruit crops throughout much of the world's tropics and subtropics. Feeding damage by the adult moths is most widely reported in varieties of citrus. In the years 2003 and 2004, fruit-piercing moth activity was observed regularly at night in citrus crops in northeast Australia, to determine the level of maturity (based on rind colour) and soundness of fruit attacked. 'Navelina' navel and 'Washington' navel orange, grapefruit and mixed citrus crops were assessed, and fruit was rated and placed into five categories: green, colouring, ripe, overripe and damaged. There were no statistical differences in the percentage of fruit attacked in each category across crops. However, within the individual crops significant proportions of green 'Navelina' fruit (58.7%) and green mixed citrus (57.1%) were attacked in 2004. Among all the crops assessed, 25.1% of moth feeding occurred on overripe or damaged fruit. Crops started to be attacked at least 8 weeks before picking, but in two crops there were large influxes of moths (reaching 27 and 35 moths/100 trees, respectively) immediately before harvest. Moth activity was most intense between late February and late March. Eudocima fullonia (Clerck) represented 79.1% of all moths recorded on fruit, with Eudocima materna (L.), Eudocima salaminia (Cramer) and Serrodes campana (Guen.) the only other species observed capable of inflicting primary damage.Our results suggest that growers should monitor moth activity from 8 weeks before harvest and consider remedial action if moth numbers increase substantially as the crop matures or there is a history of moth problems. The number of fruit pickings could be increased to progressively remove ripe fruit or early harvest of the entire crop contemplated if late influxes of moths are known.

Feeding Mechanisms of Adult Lepidoptera: Structure, Function, and Evolution of the Mouthparts

“…A number of noctuid moths employ a different mechanism to pierce fruit (12, 13, 18) that may inflict damage to citrus crops (58). These moths possess a sharp-tipped proboscis that bears an armature of acute erectile structures, hooks, and spines (6).…”

Seasonal Abundance and Suppression of Fruit-Piercing MothEudocima phalonia(L.) in a Citrus Orchard in Sarawak

“…This moth comprised nearly 90% of moths causing damage to fruit has been reported by Fay and Halfpapp [11]. E. phalonia is considered an important pest of citrus and numerous commercial fruits and vegetables [2, 22].…”

“…Susceptibility of citrus fruits to attack by fruit-piercing moths increases as fruit near maturity and in early maturing varieties. Navel oranges ( Citrus × aurantium L. [Sapindales : Rutaceae]) and certain mandarins ( C. reticulata Blanco) are more susceptible than other species and cultivars [ 11 ]. In a study in which E. phalonia was the dominant species of fruit-piercing moth, Fay and Halfpapp [ 11 ] reported that grapefruit ( Citrus × aurantium L.) and sweet orange crops started to be attacked at least 8 weeks before picking.…”

“…Navel oranges ( Citrus × aurantium L. [Sapindales : Rutaceae]) and certain mandarins ( C. reticulata Blanco) are more susceptible than other species and cultivars [ 11 ]. In a study in which E. phalonia was the dominant species of fruit-piercing moth, Fay and Halfpapp [ 11 ] reported that grapefruit ( Citrus × aurantium L.) and sweet orange crops started to be attacked at least 8 weeks before picking. Attacks on green fruit are reported to be more prevalent when moth populations are high [ 4 , 8 ], but there are no published data to support these observations.…”

Noctuidae moths occurring in grape orchards in Serra Gaúcha, Brazil and their relation to fruit-piercing

“…Fruit-piercing moths occur mainly in the tropical regions, though the world occurrence of this kind of fauna is still unknown (Fay & Halfpapp 2006). The most important species, Eudocima fullonia (Clerck, [1874]) (Calpinae), occurring in Africa and Oceania is capable to feed on more than 100 species of fruits, including cultivated and native (Davis et al 2005).…”