Effects of adult feeding on longevity and fecundity of Ctenopseustis obliquana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

Abstract

Ctenopseustis obliquana (Walker) is one of the key pests of horticulture in New Zealand and there is interest in the provision of flowering plants within orchards to increase the effectiveness of biological control. A trial was carried out to evaluate the potential impact of providing nectar sources within orchards on the longevity and fecundity of this pest. Newly eclosed pairs of moths were set up in the laboratory and provided with a supply of either honey or water, or remained unfed. The age‐specific reproduction of pairs was determined each day throughout their lives. Provision of both water and honey significantly increased longevity and numbers of eggs laid per female compared to moths that were not provided with a source of honey or water. Moths provided with honey had significantly greater longevity than moths provided water, but total egg production and number of days spent egg laying was not increased. Moths provided honey had a prolonged post‐ovipositional period compared to moths only provided with water. It is concluded that the provision of nectar sources within orchards is not likely to increase the reproductive capacity of C. obliquana but the suitability of any new plants as hosts for larval C. obliquana needs to be evaluated.