Management and population dynamics of Garella musculana (Erschov) (Lepidoptera: Nolidae) in newly areas, Turkey

Abstract

The Walnut moth Garella (Erschoviella) musculana (Erschov) (Lepidoptera: Nolidae) seriously damages fresh shoots and fruits since first detected in 2016. The population dynamics of a newly invaded pest is important in developing management strategies in walnut areas. The populations of immature life stages, damage, overwintering, and management of G. musculana were evaluated for two consecutive years (2017-2018) in walnut orchards in Bartın, Turkey. The larvae of G. musculana were determined to damage in young shoots and under fruit pericarp. The first larva stage was recorded to feed at about 5 cm shoots of walnut trees in late-June. The adult flights were also seen in the last decade of June. Although the highest adult population was detected in July and August, significant damage was recorded in the last August and an increase occurred in September. The overwintering pupae were determined under the bark or in cardboard in early October. The damage of the collected fruits was reported about 11-60% in early harvest. The moths were caught only from melas trap throughout the cropping season in the second year, but this study was conducted on long-term population dynamics in both orchards.