Abstract
Simple SummaryInvestigations were performed in 2018–2019 in chestnut groves in northern Italy to monitor the seasonal flight activity of Pammene fasciana (L.), Cydia fagiglandana (Zeller), and C. splendana (Hübner) with pheromone-baited traps. Commercially available and experimental pheromone blends were tested. Newly formed chestnut husks and fruits were randomly collected to evaluate damage. Damage was correlated with trap catches. P. fasciana was present in all the sites, while Cydia species were recorded in three of six sites, with differences in abundance related to pheromone blends studied. Several morphologically similar non-target species occurred, highlighting the risk of overestimating catches. Fruit damage did not correlate with trap captures, suggesting that monitoring probably underestimates the true size of the moths’ populations. These data contribute to ascertaining the presence of tortrix moths in northern Italian chestnut groves, and are important for planning specific control measures.(1) Background: Pammene fasciana (L.), Cydia fagiglandana (Zeller), and C. splendana (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) are considered key moth pests of chestnut in Europe. (2) Methods: Investigations were performed in 2018–2019 in northern Italy. Sticky traps and commercially available pheromones were used for monitoring; moreover, two experimental pheromone blends were tested. All specimens were identified according to male genitalia and molecular analyses. Newly formed chestnut husks and fruits were randomly collected to evaluate the presence of larvae and/or feeding damage, by comparing it to trap catches. (3) Results: P. fasciana was present in all the sites, whereas Cydia species were recorded in three sites of six, with differences in abundance related to pheromone blends studied. Several non-target species, such as Oegoconia novimundi (Busck) and Cydia ilipulana (Walsingham), were present. Data about the seasonal flight activity are provided. (4) Conclusions: This research contributes to ascertaining the presence and abundance of tortrix moths in Italian chestnut groves, and the presence of non-target species highlights the risk of overestimating catches. Fruit damage recorded did not always reflect catches made by pheromone traps, suggesting that monitoring may underestimate the real size of moths’ populations. All of the data acquired are important for planning specific control measures.
Highlights
Three species of carpophagous tortricids are responsible for significative yield losses in chestnut production, namely Pammene fasciana (L.), Cydia fagiglandana (Zeller), and C. splendana (Hübner)(Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) [1,2,3,4]
The population dynamics of P. fasciana, C. fagiglandana, and C. splendana were investigated using sex pheromone lures produced by Isagro S.p.A
Available pheromones were used for monitoring P. fasciana (Z8-12:Ac + Z8-12OH), C. fagiglandana (E8,E10-12Ac), and C. splendana (E8,Z10-12:Ac)
Summary
Three species of carpophagous tortricids are responsible for significative yield losses in chestnut production, namely Pammene fasciana (L.), Cydia fagiglandana (Zeller), and C. splendana (Hübner)(Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) [1,2,3,4]. In southern Europe, both species are found on sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa Miller) All of these moths are oligophagous and monovoltine, with fruit feeding (carpophagous) larvae developing in the fruit. The larvae, with their trophic activity, cause premature drops of fruits, destruction of the cotyledons, and reduction in weight and size. They are responsible for extensive economic losses annually, with fruit losses up to 70% of harvested fruits depending upon the year, plantation, and geographical region [5]. In many European countries and sites, P. fasciana is considered to be a minor chestnut feeding pest; the congeneric species C. fagiglandana and C. splendana have received the most attention
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