Pheromone Monitoring of Peachtree Borers and Lesser Peachtree Borers in South Carolina12

Abstract

The peachtree borer, Synanthedon exitiosa (Say). and lesser peachtree borer, Synanthedon pictipes (Grote and Robinson), were monitored with pheromone-baited traps in 2 peach-growing areas. Pheromone monitoring was compared to cast skin counts in one orchard. Similar seasonal distributions were obtained by using both methods, though the pheromone traps were more sensitive in detecting sparse populations. Trap catch data were compared to precipitation patterns. Physiological days at 27°C between the medians of generations were calculated by using daily max and min temperatures. Calculations of physiological days were in agreement with developmental times as determined in laboratory rearing. Wet periods were found to enhance the eclosion of both species.