Fruit Insect Research Articles

Apple, Orchard Insecticide Studies, 1977

Abstract This study was conducted at the Agway Orchard, Fabius, NY, on dwarf trellised rootstock apple trees of the varieties, Mcintosh, Red Delicious, Macoun, and Cortland. Single-row blocks (each .1 acre) of 22 trees were sprayed with hand-gun sprays to runoff at IX concentration using a tractor-mounted platform sprayer at 80 psi to deliver 300 GPA dilute equivalent. A full-season spray schedule was utilized starting at pink (May 4), petal fall (May 18), 1st cover (May 26), 2nd C (June 2), 3rd C (Jun 9), 4th C (Jun 16), 5th C (June 27), 6th C (Jul 7), 7th C (Jul 21), 8th C (Aug 4), and 9th C (Aug 18). Benlate 50W was used as the standard fungicide (and for check treatment) at .25 lb/100 when insecticides were not combined with other fungicides. Fruit and foliar insect damage ratings were made after first cover sprays on Jun 1 (Table 1), mid-season on Aug 15 (Table 2), and at harvest on Oct 1 (Table 3). At each sampling date, a total of 100 fruit (25 each of 4 varieties) or 100 terminals were examined for insect damage.

Seasonal Distribution of the Lesser Peachtree Borer 1 in Central Georgia 2 as Monitored by Pupal Skin Counts and Pheromone Trapping Techniques

Seasonal distribution of the lesser peachtree borer, Synanthedon pictipes (Grote and Robinson), was monitored from 1967–1975 in central Georgia by counting the pupal skins found on trees and by recording male captures in sticky traps baited with synthetic pheromone in peach orchards. Counts of pupal skins on selected trees in the same orchard over 3 yr revealed that the population of borers increased substantially between 1967 and 1970, even though insecticides were being used. Insecticides, however, were not directed towards lesser peachtree borers but to fruit insect pests. Orchards with both high and low populations could be indexed by using the pupal skin counts and the captures of males in traps baited with synthetic pheromone. However, only high populations provided adequate data to confirm 2 peaks of adult eclosion with either sampling method. The spring (1st) peak always occurred in May; a 2nd peak was usually evident in August or September. However, a 2nd peak occurred in late July (1974) at Zenith, Georgia, and there were indications of a third peak during September. In this same orchard, captures of males in sticky traps baited with synthetic pheromone were very similar to the eclosion pattern made from pupal skin counts.

Apple Insect Control, 1975

Abstract Experimental insecticides were evaluated for control of several fruit insect pests using four (4) Cortland apple trees/treatment. Insecticides were applied to run-off with the use of a truck-mounted Myers hydraulic sprayer operating at 450-500 psi. Applications were made on May 22 (petal-fall), June 2, 17, July 1, 15, and 31. One additional cover spray was added on August 26 to all Lannate plots. Cyprex 65 WP at 0.5 lbs/100 was added to all plots (except the check) on all application dates. Apple aphid counts were made by walking around each replicate tree and counting the total number of infested terminals per tree. Infested terminals consisted of those with over 25 aphids/terminal. Fruit infestation ratings were obtained by picking (at random) 2 bushels of fruit per replicate tree (8/treatment) at normal fruit harvest dates and counting fruit injury by specific insects.

Influence of Mating on Attractiveness of Female Codling Moths 1 , 2

The codling moth, Laspcyresia pomonella (L.), is a polygamous insect. Females collected in blacklight traps and molasses-bait traps in the Yakima, Wash., area over a 3-year period mated an average 1.57 times, 21% mated 3–11 times, and only 7% were unmated. The plural matings implied that the female attracted the male on each occasion by releasing a sex pheromone. Then, if mated females were qualitatively as attractive as virgin females, the special precautions taken to obtain virgin stock for use in sex attractant traps could be eliminated. However, we had also observed that females stopped attracting males immediately after the onset of copulation, which fact would indicate reduced attractancy. This diminution in attractiveness would be of special importance when a male was caged with the females used as lures. A test was therefore made at the Arid Areas Deciduous Fruit Insects Investigations Laboratory, Yakima, to obtain more information about the attractiveness of mated females and the effect males have on the attractiveness of virgin females used as bait in traps.

BIOLOGICAL CONTROL ATTEMPTS ON POME FRUIT (APPLE AND PEAR) IN NORTH AMERICA, 1860–1970

AbstractBiological control attempts on pome fruit in North America, 1860–1970, are summarized and successes and failures reviewed. In all cases, save two, claims in support of successes are lacking. It is concluded that a modern research approach to the study of biological control—including a study of the population dynamics of the host species and of the biotic agent used in control—must be taken. Claims of successes of biotic agents—parasites and predators—in control of pome fruit insect pest populations (stage or generation) must be supported by quantitative multifactor studies. Otherwise the scientific requirements and exigencies (e.g. manipulation of biotic agents with predictability) will not be satisfied.

Winter Control of the European Red Mite, Panonychus ulmi and Certain Fruit Insects by M-2060 (2-fluoroethyl (4-biphenylyl)acetate) in Italy1

Field trials carried out in different Italian climatic conditions have shown that M-2060 completely inhibits the hatching of the overwintering eggs of Panonychus ulmi (Koch) when applied in an oil formulation to fruit trees as a single fully dormant or late-dormant spray (i.e. from February to mid-March). As a consequence the density of the mite population remains below the economic threshold until early July and later. This application results in an effective and persistent control of resistant strains of P. ulmi and permits cutting out at least 2 applications of spring-summer miticides which are usually required before July, when dinitrocresol + petroleum or tar oil or parathion-oil are used as late- and delayed dormant sprays, respectively. In addition, M-2060-oil has proved to be effective against the winter eggs of the apple aphid, Aphis pomi De Geer, and the rosy apple aphid, Dysaphis planlaginea (Passerini), the eggs laid by overwintering Psylla piri Först, and to a lesser extent against the hibernating young of the San Jose scale, Aspidiotus perniciosus Comstock.

A Blacklight Trap Effective for Single Tree Sampling

Blacklight traps were used successfully for surveying fruit insect pest populations in Wisconsin orchards from 1956 through 1962 (Oatman 1964). The traps were of an omnidirectional design with a 15-w blacklight fluorescent lamp mounted vertically in the center of a single baffle. When suspended in an orchard, the light attracted insects from all directions for considerable distances. As a result, voluminous numbers of insects foreign to fruit trees were caught, especially on still, warm nights. Separating known pest species from even 1 night's catch was a laborious, time-consuming task.

Orchard Insect Surveys with Blacklight Traps1

Blacklight traps were used successfully in commercial apple And cherry orchards of Wisconsin to survey fruit insect pests from 1957-62. The results of the last 3 years are given for adult populations of the codling moth, Carpocapsa pomonella (L.); redbanded leaf roller, Argyrotaenia velutinana (Walker); fruit-tree leaf roller, Archips argyrospilus (Walker); eye-spotted bud moth, Spilonota ocellana (Denis & Schiffermuller); destructive prune Worm, Mineola scitutella Hulst; and the cherry fruitworm, Grapholitha packardi Zeller. The effect of variations in the growing season on emergence, peak abundance, and seasonal distribution of a species; importance of these data for timing and number of applications necessary for adequate protection of the fruit; effect of the spray program used on the kind and number of species trapped in an orchard; and the possibilities of grower-operated blacklight traps for community use are discussed.

Vincennes Fruit Insect Laboratory Dedicated

The federal fruit insect laboratory to serve the midwestern fruit industry was established at Vincennes, Indiana, in 1923, in cooperation with the Purdue University Agricultural Experiment Station, with Bennett A. Porter, now head of the U.S. Division of Fruit Insects, in charge.

Deciduous Fruit Insects and Their Control

mites in apple orchards. Research on control of apple insects is more extensive and comprehensive than that on any other tree fruit-in complement to the range and value of the apple orchard as an agricultural enterprise and reflecting local variation in orchard insect problems. In unsprayed orchards, insects and fungi relentlessly lower the probability that market· able fruit may be harvested in quantity. Ther efore, almost universally, apple orchards require chemical protection. The insect pests of apple trees ar e legion, but the few that are widely distributed contribute a semblance of uniformity which can be misleading. It is the entire complex of apple­ tree insects and mites, phytophagous and beneficial, and the destructive potential of the pest species composing it which guide the local emphasis in research on control methods and which detail the orchard-spray schedule. The pest complex in an apple orchard varies greatly with the circumstance of adapted native species and the accident of distribution of others. This variation exists against a background of diverse requirements in fungus control and the drastic effect of some fungicides upon biological control of insects and mites. He who is aware of the extent of these differences will recognize the need for contrasting emphasis on biological or chemical control in regional research on insects and mite pests of apple orchards. Of some 700 publications on this subject since the introduction of DDT, those on direct control by chemicals greatly predominate, and emphasis is placed on them rather than on studies on the biology and ecology of apple insects or on the integration of biological and chemical control.

Sampling of Infestations of Citrus Red Mite

Entomology Research Branch . The citrus red mite,1 known generally in Florida as the purple mite, has become a major pest of citrus, especially in the last ten years. Since 1913 the Subtropical Fruit Insects Laboratory at Orlando has conducted many experiments with insecticides and miticides for control of this pest, and also experiments designed to reveal the causes of infestation increases. Sampling methods have been devised to measure natural infestations and also the control obtained with the many treatments that were tested. Sampling for reliable experimental data is at best a timeconsuming and expensive work. Through the years several methods have been tried in a continuing effort to obtain more reliable data at less cost of time and labor, and to find a simple method that might be useful also to citrus growers in checking their own groves. Experiments involving comparisons of insecticides or miticides for control of red mites are conducted in a single grove of uniform trees to avoid variations between groves. A randomized-block design is used (Spencer and Osburn, 1948). Ten compact blocks of trees are outlined on a map of the grove, each block including a tree for each treatment. By this method all treatments are subjected equally to any variations that may exist between different parts of the grove. Our present method of estimating infestations has several advantages. We use a hand lens in the grove, and so avoid collection and transportation of samples to the laboratory and use of the microscope. We examine only top surfaces of the leaves, since that is where most of the red mite eggs and crawling stages are found. This is simpler than examining upper and lower leaf surfaces and fruits, and gives larger numbers and less variation for equal time spent. The hand lens we use is a linen tester with frame having an opening, or field, one inch square. The opening is placed diagonally over the midrib on the upper surface of the leaf, and records are made of the numbers of crawling mites and unhatched viable eggs in the square. This is done for 25 leaves equally

A New Euphalerus and Notes on Other Species of Psyllidae from Idaho (Homoptera: Psyllidae)

This paper presents the description of a new species of Euphalerus and some notes on the distribution, host plants and biology of several other species of Psyllidae collected in Idaho. In addition, the rearing of three genera of parasites from hackberry psyllids is reported. The opportunity of making most of these collections was afforded by the United States Bureau of Entomology and Plant Quarantine during the writer's service in the Division of Fruit Insect Investigations.

MODIFIED RIKER INSECT MOUNT FOR USE IN TEACHING

Effective instruction in entomology requires, among other things, that the student have the opportunily to see and examine to his satisfaction the insects dealt with in the course. This statement applies not only to courses in systematic and taxonomic entomology but to introductory courses and to such courses as field crop insects, truck and garden insects, stored product insects, fruit and nut insects, household insects, forest insects, medical entomology and the like. Surely, the instruction is seriously deficient where the student's acquaintance with the insects is limited to what he may hear in a lecture, or read or see in illustrations in a book.

The Use of Sulphur in the Control of Truck Crop and Cane Fruit Insects and Diseases

The Use of Sulphur in the Control of Truck Crop and Cane Fruit Insects and Diseases

The Willow Weevil as a Deciduous Fruit Insect Pest

Journal Article The Willow Weevil as a Deciduous Fruit Insect Pest Get access Arthur D. Borden Arthur D. Borden Assistant Entomologist, University of California Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar Journal of Economic Entomology, Volume 28, Issue 4, 1 August 1935, Pages 661–665, https://doi.org/10.1093/jee/28.4.661 Published: 01 August 1935

Some Insect Problems Confronting the Avocado Grower1

Journal Article Some Insect Problems Confronting the Avocado Grower Get access G. F. Moznette G. F. Moznette Assistant Entomologist, Tropical and Subtropical Fruit Insect Investigations, U. S. Department of Agriculture Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar Journal of Economic Entomology, Volume 14, Issue 4, 1 August 1921, Pages 341–344, https://doi.org/10.1093/jee/14.4.341 Published: 01 August 1921

The Houghton Gooseberry Aphis

Journal Article The Houghton Gooseberry Aphis Get access A. C. Baker A. C. Baker Entomologist, Deciduous Fruit Insect Investigations, U. S. Bureau of Entomology Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar Journal of Economic Entomology, Volume 12, Issue 6, 1 December 1919, Pages 433–437, https://doi.org/10.1093/jee/12.6.433 Published: 01 December 1919

Amphiscepa Bivittata say, in its Relation to Cranberry

Journal Article Amphiscepa Bivittata say, in its Relation to Cranberry Get access H. B. Scammell H. B. Scammell Entomological Assistant, Deciduous Fruit Insect Investigations Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar Journal of Economic Entomology, Volume 10, Issue 6, 1 December 1917, Pages 552–556, https://doi.org/10.1093/jee/10.6.552 Published: 01 December 1917

(1) Manual of Fruit Insects (2) Indian Forest Insects of Economic Importance: Coleoptera (3) Crop Pest Handbook for Behar and Orissa (including also Western Bengal)

(1) STUDENTS of applied entomology all the world over remember gratefully the late Prof. M. V. Slingerland, whose writings in the Bulletins of the Cornell University of Ithaca and elsewhere, form a storehouse of information on insect life-histories and on practical means for destroying pests. And now Mr. C. R. Crosby has completed the pious task of editing a quantity of manuscript left unfinished by Slingerland when, five years ago, he was taken from us. The result of this collaboration is a handy volume in which two hundred species of orchard insects common in the United States are described and figured. In the space allotted the descriptions are necessarily brief, but many facts are conveyed in short paragraphs—thanks to a plain and effective style—while references are given to special memoirs. As might have been expected, the literature quoted is entirely American, though not a few of the insects described are common European pests on which some useful observations have been made on this side of the Atlantic. European workers, however, will be glad to have the American experience with regard to these species, and to others which are near allies of common “old-world” kinds. The few pages of “general considerations” on the structure of insects are the weak part of the book; it is disappointing to see the cuticle called a “shell” on p. 2 and a “skin” on p. 5. The concluding chapter deals with the practical use of insecticides. Illustrations comprise nearly four hundred figures, some of which are reproductions of excellent drawings, while the rest are photographs of somewhat unequal value. Indeed, examples of extremes of merit and demerit in natural history photography might be drawn from this volume. (1) Manual of Fruit Insects. By the late M. V. Slingerland C. R. Crosby. Pp. xvi + 503. (New York: The Macmillan Co.; London: Macmillan and Co., Ltd., 1914.) Price 8s. 6d. net. (2) Indian Forest Insects of Economic Importance: Coleoptera. By E. P. Stebbing. Pp. xvi + 648 + lxii plates. (London: Printed by Eyre and Spottiswoode, Ltd.; sold by Constable and Co., Ltd., and others, 1914.) Price 15s. (3) Crop Pest Handbook for Behar and Orissa (including also Western Bengal). Department of Agriculture, Behar and Orissa. Pp. xxiii + Leaflets 84 + Appendices 21 + plates liv. (Calcutta: Thacker, Spink and Co., 1913.) Price 4 rupees.