Tortricidae Research Articles

Hymenopterous parasitoids of the fig leaf roller moth, Phycodes radiata (Ochsenheimer, 1808) (Lepidoptera: Brachodidae) in Iran

ABSTRACT The fig leaf roller (FLR), Phycodes radiata (Ochsenheimer, 1808) (Lepidoptera: Brachodidae), is an Oriental defoliator pest of Ficus spp. In the Oriental region, only two parasitic wasps, belonging to the Chalcididae and Eulophidae (Hymenoptera) families have been identified as natural enemies of FLR. Therefore, attempts are being made to discover parasitoids for biological control in Iran. In the laboratory condition (25 ± 1°C, 50%RH), two parasitoid species were successfully reared from FLR pupae. A chalcid species, Psilochalcis ceratoniae Delvare, 2011 (Hymenoptera: Chalcididae) was obtained for the first time on FLR, previously known to parasitise the carob moth, Ectomyelois ceratoniae (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). Additionally, an ichneumonid species, Goryphus nursei (Cameron, 1907) (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae), was also recorded parasitising FLR for the first time. These newly discovered associations bring the total count of parasitoids of FLR to four species from three different families.

Application timing affects the efficacy of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki against Tortrix viridana in deciduous oak forests

The green oak leaf roller moth, Tortrix viridana, is one of the main defoliators of deciduous oaks in the Mediterranean region. Although aerial applications of Btk-based insecticides represent the most effective method to control the larval populations of this pest at a large spatial scale, the optimal time window for sprayings has not yet been defined. Accordingly, experimental trials were conducted in a Quercus pubescens forest district in Sardinia (Italy) involving both large-scale aerial treatments and small-scale applications from the ground. The aim of our work was to study how different larval development stages and/or sprouting phenological phases of the host trees affect Btk efficacy. Aerial sprayings were conducted in 2003 and 2004 in two different areas of about 300 ha, selected according to altitude and exposure to simulate three different application timings against different larval instars and sprouting phenological phases. From-the-ground applications were carried out in 2021 in a Q. pubescens forest stand by applying Btk-based insecticides at different timings, and the overall Q. pubescens phenological stage and the distribution of T. viridana larval development stages were assessed accordingly. The effectiveness of Btk applications was evaluated by estimating larval mortality 7, and 14 days after aerial applications, and 7, 14 and 21 days after ground applications. Defoliation due to T. viridana was also evaluated at the end of larval development in all years. In both 2003 and 2004, the average larval mortality due to Btk exceeded 80 % two weeks after aerial applications across all application timings. Damage caused by T. viridana varied with Btk application timing, with the later applications showing a higher defoliation than other timings. In ground application experiments, larval mortality significantly increased when Btk was sprayed against a larval population primarily composed of IV instars, which were feeding on sprouts with leaves that were spread out and had not fully developed internodes, thus resulting in a significative reduction of insect damage. Our findings indicate that, in accordance with the strict synchrony between the larval development and the oak flushing, the optimal timing for Btk application against T. viridana can be defined based on the bud burst phenological phase. In particular, the prevalence of sprout with expanding leaf surface allowing insecticidal droplet interception and the simultaneous presence of susceptible larval instars (within the IV), resulted in an increased treatment efficacy.

Predicting possible distribution of rice leaf roller (Cnaphalocrocis medinalis) under climate change scenarios using MaxEnt model in China

The relationship between climate conditions and pest life is a key determinant of their distribution. Cnaphalocrocis medinalis Guenee, a major rice pest, exhibits outbreaks and its distribution patterns closely linked to meteorological factors. By using 244 actual distribution and occurrence data of C. medinalis along with 8 bioclimatic data, and employing the MaxEnt model and ArcGIS, combined with the latest SSPs climate scenario data, this study evaluated the risk region distribution status in the current period and predicted changes in China from 2040 to 2100. The results indicate that an overall increase in the risk area for C. medinalis, particularly under SSP245 scenario during 2040–2060. While Low-risk areas are expected to decrease, Medium and High-risk areas are projected to increase significantly, with worsening pest infestations anticipated in southern Hubei, eastern Hunan, most of Jiangxi, central Fujian, northern Guangdong, and southern Jiangsu. Regions such as central Liaoning are expected to reach the minimum survival standard for C. medinalis in future, leading to the northward shift in risk areas. Difference plots highlighted areas of increased and decreased suitability, providing actionable insights for policymakers. Regions with increased suitability align with the predicted northward shift of many agricultural pests, necessitating enhanced monitoring, specific pest control measures, and updated agricultural policies to address changing risk profiles. Additionally, the centroid analysis showed a northwest shift direction in future, primarily located at the junction of Shaoyang City and Loudi City, situated around 27–28 °N degrees north latitude and 111–113 °E. The study underscores the significant impact of climate change on the distribution of rice leaf roller, providing valuable insights for agricultural planning and management. The northward and westward expansion of risk areas necessitates adaptive strategies to mitigate potential impacts on agriculture. Enhanced monitoring, integrated pest management, and the development of pest-resistant crops are essential for addressing future challenges posed by climate change.

Dissipation kinetics and decontamination of chlorantraniliprole and thiamethoxam residues in curry leaves

ABSTRACT Herein, using liquid chromatography – tandem mass spectrometry, we validated a modified QuEChERS method to analyse thiamethoxam and chlorantraniliprole residues in curry leaves. These insecticides are part of a pest management module against the major curry leaf insect pests, psyllid and leaf roller. Based on the SANTE guideline, the method exhibited satisfactory recovery and precision. For both insecticides, the R2 value was 0.99. Furthermore, the determined limit of detection and limit of quantification were 0.008 and 0.025 mg/kg, respectively. The field persistence of both insecticides was longer, and below quantification limit was achieved within 30 and 40 days for chlorantraniliprole and 35 and 40 days for thiamethoxam. Residue degradation followed first-order kinetics, with longer half-lives of 5.08 and 5.28 days for chlorantraniliprole and 3.50 and 3.96 days for thiamethoxam at single (x) and double (2×) doses, respectively. For both insecticides, the hazard index (HI), calculated based on the highest residue on the day of insecticide treatment in the field study, was less than 1 at x and 2× doses, indicating an acceptable level of risk. Seasoning or quick frying of curry leaves in oil reduced maximum of thiamethoxam and chlorantraniliprole residues followed by treatment with NaCl (2%)/tamarind water (2%)/lemon water (2%) solutions. Analysis of 85 farm-gate samples revealed detectable residues of thiamethoxam in 25 samples (0.03–0.49 mg kg−1) and chlorantraniliprole in 1 sample (0.18 mg kg−1). The HI for the maximum quantity of insecticide residues detected in monitoring study was <1. Therefore, the research backs the idea of ensuring safe harvested produce, considering the field persistence of chlorantraniliprole and thiamethoxam in curry leaf and simple decontamination methods to satisfy consumer need for clean food commodity, if properly adopted.

Development of parasite complexes in the ecosystem of the rose garden of the main Botanical Garden of the Russian Academy of Sciences

The article reports on studies (2011-2022) monitoring harmful organisms in the ecosystem of the rose garden of the Main Botanical Garden of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The studies yielded data on the detection of pathogens and pests, as well as the phenotypic manifestation of pathologies and lesions. A total of 21 species of pathogens and 16 species of phytophages were identified. The species composition of harmful organisms in the ecosystem of the rose garden was defined. It is shown that at the initial stage (2011- 2013) of ecosystem establishment, no external signs of viral diseases were observed, and a low level of fungal infections was noted. The development of such harmful pathogens as Peronospora sparsa Jacz., Sphaerotheca pannosa Lev., Phragmidium disciflorum James, and Ph. tuberculatum Mull. was controlled by culling plants of susceptible varieties. The predominant pathogens included Marssonina rosae (Lib.) Died., Phyllosticta rosae Desm., and Septoria rosae Desm., and the susceptibility of specific varieties to these pathogens was established. The populations of pathogens causing spot anthracnose (Sphaceloma rosarum Pass.), ascochyta leaf spot (Ascochyta rosicola Sacc.), and cercospora leaf spot (Cercospora rosicola Pass.) were slightly less common. A wide range of signs of viral infections was identified. Nine viruses belonging to five genera were detected. The frequency of their occurrence was analyzed, and the most common viruses were identified: Prunus necrotic ring spot ilarvirus, Apple mosaic ilarvirus, Tobacco ring spot nepovirus, and Arabis mosaic nepovirus. The species diversity of phytophages was noted: leaf beetles, snout beetles, leafroller moths, sawflies, blossom weevils, earwigs, moths, leafhoppers, aphids, and true bugs. It was found that damage to plants by a range of pests reached only an average level, except for individual varieties (Red Blanket and Prosperity). In general, the phytosanitary assessment of the rose gene pool of the garden according to the phytosanitary monitoring and integrated detection revealed a wide range of parasite complexes: fourteen types of pathogenic complexes, four types of entomological complexes, and five types of entomopathogenic complexes. The tactical and basic directions for control of harmful organisms in the ecosystem of the rose garden are discussed.

The genome sequence of the Green Oak Leaf Roller, Tortrix viridana (Linnaeus, 1758).

We present a genome assembly from a female Tortrix viridana (the Green Oak Leaf Roller; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Tortricidae). The genome sequence is 456.6 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 31 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the Z and W sex chromosomes. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 16.43 kilobases in length.

Genome comparison of long-circulating field CnmeGV isolates from the same region

Cnaphalocrocis medinalis granulovirus (CnmeGV), belonging to Betabaculovirus cnamedinalis, can infect the rice pest, the rice leaf roller. In 1979, a CnmeGV isolate, CnmeGV-EP, was collected from Enping County, China. In 2014, we collected another CnmeGV isolate, CnmeGV-EPDH3, at the same location and obtained the complete virus genome sequence using Illumina and ONT sequencing technologies. By combining these two virus isolates, we updated the genome annotation of CnmeGV and conducted an in-depth analysis of its genome features. CnmeGV genome contains abundant tandem repeat sequences, and the repeating units in the homologous regions (hrs) exhibit overlapping and nested patterns. The genetic variations within EPDH3 population show the high stability of CnmeGV genome, and tandem repeats are the only region of high genetic variation in CnmeGV genome replication. Some defective viral genomes formed by recombination were found within the population. Comparison analysis of the two virus isolates collected from Enping showed that the proteins encoded by the CnmeGV-specific genes were less conserved relative to the baculovirus core genes. At the genomic level, there are a large number of SNPs and InDels between the two virus isolates, especially in and around the bro genes and hrs. Additionally, we discovered that CnmeGV acquired a segment of non-ORF sequence from its host, which does not provide any new proteins but rather serves as redundant genetic material integrated into the viral genome. Furthermore, we observed that the host's transposon piggyBac has inserted into some virus genes. Together, dsDNA viruses could acquire non-coding genetic material from their hosts to expand the size of their genomes. These findings provide new insights into the evolution of dsDNA viruses.

First record of the genus Haritalodes Warren, 1890 and H. derogata (Fabricius, 1775) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae: Spilomelinae) from Türkiye and its morphological and molecular identification

The genus Haritalodes Warren, 1890 is represented by 12 species worldwide except in the Nearctic and Neotropical regions. Haritalodes derogata (Fabricius, 1775), commonly known as the cotton leaf roller moth, is the most widely distributed species of the genus and is common in the West Palaearctic Region. This species is one of the most serious pests of Malvaceae. The larvae primarily feed on the leaves, and severe population levels may lead to significant yield loss in the primary host, cotton. In a survey in 2023, the shrubs of the Hibiscus sp. were found to be infested by a group of larvae with a very dense population feeding on the leaves in Trabzon Province, Türkiye. The larvae were reared for pupation and adult emergence. Morphological identification according to male and female genitalia as well as sequencing of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase region I (COI) from larvae and adults revealed that the species is H. derogata. This is the first report of the genus Haritalodes and Haritalodes derogata in Türkiye.

Nuclear and mitochondrial genomes of Polylopha cassiicola: the first assembly in Chlidanotinae (Tortricidae)

Tortricidae is one of the largest families in Lepidoptera, including subfamilies of Tortricinae, Olethreutinae, and Chlidanotinae. Here, we assembled the gap-free genome for the subfamily Chlidanotinae using Illumina, Nanopore, and Hi-C sequencing from Polylopha cassiicola, a pest of camphor trees in southern China. The nuclear genome is 302.03 Mb in size, with 36.82% of repeats and 98.4% of BUCSO completeness. The karyotype is 2n = 44 for males. We identified 15412 protein-coding genes, 1052 tRNAs, and 67 rRNAs. We also determined the mitochondrial genome of this species and annotated 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNAs, and one rRNA. These high-quality genomes provide valuable information for studying phylogeny, karyotypic evolution, and adaptive evolution of tortricid moths.

Preparation and performance of 10 wt% of chlorantraniliprole Nano-suspension concentrate (SC) using polyether amine-bridged sulfonated alkali lignin (PSAL) as a dispersant

Polyether amine-bridged sulfonated alkali lignin (PSAL) with different sulfonic group contents and molecular weights was firstly synthesized and characterized. Then, 10 wt% of chlorantraniliprole Nano-suspension concentrate (SC) was prepared by the water-based grinding method, and the optimum grinding parameters were explored and obtained. Based on this optimum grinding formula, chlorantraniliprole Nano-SC was prepared and three optimum dispersants were finally obtained as follows: the compounds of polycarboxylate D-2 separately with P1SAL0.68, P1SAL0.84 and TERSPERSE 2500 at the mass ratio of 1:1. All Nano-SC prepared by these three dispersants had a D90 particle size below 200 nm, suspension percentage above 99%, water separation proportion below 1%, excellent thermal storage stability, and also better wettability on banana leaf surface. Additionally, adding glycerin could effectively inhibit the agglomeration and austenogenization of pesticide nanoparticles, and thus improve the stability of Nano-SC. Finally, the farmland experiments indicated chlorantraniliprole Nano-SC prepared in this work had a significantly improved pesticide effect on first-instar rice leaf rollers than traditional micron-sized SC. This work provided a new dispersant with excellent performance for chlorantraniliprole Nano-SC as well as broadened the high value-added utilization of industrial lignin into pesticide Nano-SC field, which had great economic and environmental benefits.

Seasonal occurrence and damage caused by Phycodes radiata Ochsenheimer (Lepidoptera, Brachodidae) on Ficus spp. in Uttar Pradesh, India

A field study was conducted from 2019 to 2021 in the Saharanpur district of Uttar Pradesh to record the seasonal occurrence, infestation, and damage of the fig leaf roller, Phycodes radiata Ochsenheimer (Lepidoptera, Brachodidae), simultaneously on four host plants, Ficus benjamina L., F. benghalensis L., F. glomerata L. and F. religiosa Linn. During the three years, the peak density of P. radiata larvae was observed from March to August that declined gradually till December. The maximum larval population, infestation and damage were recorded on F. religiosa followed by F. benjamina, F. glomerata, and the lowest on F. benghalensis. The incidence of P. radiata larvae was observed on F. benjamina even in the month of January, while it was nil on other three host plants.

Field Efficacy of Insecticides against Conopomorpha sinensis Bradley (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae): A Major Pest of Litchi and its Management in Bihar, India

Litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) is a subtropical fruit; family Sapindaceae. Litchi offers a good potentiality for its cultivation in Bihar both nutritionally and economically. India is the second largest global producer of litchi, next only to China. Litchi fruit borer (Conopomorpha sinensis Bradely, 1986 Lepidoptera: Gracillaridae), litchi mite, leaf cutting weevils, litchi looper, and leaf roller are major pests which attack litchi plant, during different seasons. They cause damage to the litchi plant throughout the year but their seasonal abundance not only damage the plant, but also the fruits. Among these pests, C. sinensis is the prominent one remaining active throughout the year but it’s the peak period was from July to November (as shoot borer) and from March to May (as fruit borer). 30-70% of the dropped. The results revealed that the lowest number of fruits infestation was recorded with Lambda Cyhalothrin 5 EC @ 0.003% followed by the treatment with Spinosad which gave better result 25 % infestation was. Therefore, an attempt has been made to study management options for litchi fruit and shoot borer C. sinensis by using new control measures.

Ovipositional responses of tortricid moths to sugars, salts and neem oil

Oviposition is essential in the life history of insects and is mainly mediated by chemical and tactile cues present on the plant surface. Oviposition deterrents or stimulants can modify insect oviposition and be employed in pest control. Relatively few gustatory oviposition stimuli have been described for tortricid moths. In this study the effect of NaCl, KCl, sucrose, fructose and neem oil on the number of eggs laid by Cydia pomonella (L.), Grapholita molesta (Busck) and Lobesia botrana (Dennis & Schifermüller) was tested in laboratory arenas containing filter papers loaded with 3 doses of a given stimulus and solvent control. In general, salts increased oviposition at the mid dose (102 M) and sugars reduced it at the highest dose (103 mM), but these effects depended on the species. Neem oil dramatically reduced the number of eggs laid as the dose increased, but the lowest neem oil dose (0.1% v/v) increased L. botrana oviposition relative to solvent control. Our study shows that ubiquitous plant chemicals modify tortricid moth oviposition under laboratory conditions, and that neem oil is a strong oviposition deterrent. The oviposition arena developed in this study is a convenient tool to test the effect of tastants on the oviposition behavior of tortricid moths.

ДОМИНИРУЮЩИЕ ВИДЫ НАСЕКОМЫХ-ВРЕДИТЕЛЕЙ, ПОВРЕЖДАЮЩИЕ ДИКОРАСТУЩИЕ ПОПУЛЯЦИИ ЯБЛОНИ СИВЕРСА (MALUS SIEVERSII) В ИЛЕЙСКОМ АЛАТАУ

The article is devoted to the problems of conservation of wild populations of the Sievers apple tree (Malus sieversii) in Kazakhstan, which are of global importance as a natural genetic basis for the maintenance and production of apples worldwide. Unfortunately, over the past half century, the area of growth of wild populations of this type of apple tree has sharply decreased, so the issues of preserving apple forests require special attention. One of the main threats to the existence of wild populations of the Sievers apple tree in the last 20 years has become insect pests that cause enormous damage to natural populations. In this regard, the purpose of the publication is to determine the degree of damage to the Sievers apple tree by three main pests (Yponomeuta malinella Zell., Archips rosana L., Cacoecia crataegana Hb.) in the Iley Alatau in 2018, 2019. A map of the distribution and influence of the apple ermine moth (Yponomeuta malinella Zell.), roseate leaf roller (Archips rosana L.), hawthorn leaf roller (Cacoecia crataegana Hb.) on the territory of the Ile-Alatau GNPP is also given.

Cell wall-localized Bt protein endows rice high resistance to Lepidoptera pests.

The commercialized Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) crops accumulate Bt protein within cells, but the intracellular interactions of foreign protein with endogenous protein inevitably result in large or small unintended effects. In this study, the Bt gene Cry1Ca was linked with the sequences of extracellular secretion signal peptide and carbohydrate binding module 11 to constitute a fusion gene SP-Cry1Ca-CBM11, and the fusion gene driven by constitutive promoters was used for secreting and anchoring onto the cell wall to minimize unintended effects. The transient expression in tobacco leaves demonstrated that the fusion protein was anchored on cell walls. The Cry1Ca contents of five homozygous rice transformants of single-copy insertion were different and descended in the order leaf > root > stem. The maximum content of Cry1Ca was 17.55 μg g-1 in leaves of transformant 21H037. The bioassay results revealed that the transformants exhibited high resistance to lepidopteran pests. The corrected mortality of pink stem borer (Sesamia inferens) and striped stem borer (Chilo suppressalis) ranged from 96.33% to 100%, and from 83.32% to 100%, respectively, and the corrected mortality of rice leaf roller (Cnaphalocrocis medinalis) was 92.53%. Besides, the agronomic traits of the five transformants were normal and similar to that of the recipient, and the transformants were highly resistant to glyphosate at the germination and seedling stages. The fusion Bt protein was accumulated on cell walls and endowed the rice with high resistance to lepidopteran pests without unintended effects in agronomic traits. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Conserved infections and reproductive phenotypes of Wolbachia symbionts in Asian tortrix moths.

Wolbachia is a ubiquitous endosymbiotic bacterium that manipulates insect reproduction. A notable feature of Wolbachia is male killing (MK), whereby sons of infected females are killed during development; however, the evolutionary processes by which Wolbachia acquired the MK ability remain unclear. The tea tortrix moth Homona magnanima (Tortricidae) harbours three non-MK Wolbachia strains (wHm-a, wHm-b and wHm-c) and an MK strain wHm-t. Although wHm-t and wHm-c are closely related, only wHm-t has an MK-associated prophage region. To understand the evolutionary processes underlying the emergence of MK wHm-t, we examined Wolbachia infections and phenotypes in 62 tortricid species collected from 39 localities across Japan, Taiwan, Vietnam and Indonesia. PCR assays detected wHm-c relatives in 51 species and triple infection of wHm-a, wHm-b and wHm-c in 31 species. Apart from Taiwanese H. magnanima, no species exhibited the MK phenotype and were positive for the wHm-t-specific prophage. While wHm-t infection was dominant in Taiwanese H. magnanima, wHm-a, wHm-b and wHm-c were dominant in Japanese H. magnanima populations. These results suggest that wHm-a, wHm-b and wHm-c strains descended from a common ancestor with repeated infection loss and that wHm-t evolved from the wHm-c acquiring MK ability in allopatric populations of H. magnanima.

Studies on Potential Pests of Japanese Quince (Chaenomeles japonica (Thunb.) Lindl. ex Spach) in Latvia

Abstract The objective of this research was to study potential pests of Japanese quince (Chaenomeles japonica) plantations in Latvia. Studies were carried out in eight plantations during 2017–2019. Major pests that would regularly cause significant yield losses for this plant were not observed. Black-veined white (Aporia crataegi) was considered a local pest, mass outbreaks of which can occur in individual plantations and cause significant losses of plant foliage. Four species were considered minor pests: garden chafer (Phyllopertha horticola), yellow-banded weevil (Chlorophanus viridis), silver-green weevil (Phyllobius argentatus) and copse snail (Arianta arbustorum); they are also pests of plant foliage. The European red spider mite (Panonychus ulmi) was not considered as a pest of Japanese quince. A small population was observed in summers only in one plantation, which was located next to a heavily infested orchard. Overwintering eggs were not found on the plants in any year, and we concluded that the species was an accidental immigrant in this plantation. No aphid (Aphididae) colonies were observed on the quince plants. Monitoring and evaluation of potential harmfulness of four tortrix moths – large fruit-tree tortrix (Archips podana), rose tortrix (Archips rosana), codling moth (Cydia pomonella) and holly tortrix (Rhopobota naevana) – was done. It was concluded that rose tortrix is a minor fruit pest, but the other three species were not yet considered pests of Japanese quince. Significant pests of quince flowers and fruits were not detected in our study.

Lepidopteran Pests of Apple Trees on the Territory of the City of Vanadzor

Key Words: Lori region, pomaceae, egg, caterpillar, pupa, imago Lepidopteran pests of apple trees in the Lori region have been documented in specialised literature; however, research on these pests in Vanadzor has not been done, despite the fact that many dangerous insects, including lepidoptera, flooded into private gardens in the city of Vanadzor after extensive clearing of orchards nearby. In this area, private farms suffer substantial damage from caterpillars. Additionally, some pests' caterpillars can induce allergic reactions, some of which can be very dangerous, when they come into contact with people's skin, particularly that of youngsters. The investigation of this matter is the focus of this work. As a result of our research, we identified 14 species of leafrollers of apple trees, which belong to the orders Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, Hemiptera and Homoptera. The greatest damage is caused by Apple ermine (Hypomoneuta malinellus Z.), Gypsy (spongy) moth (Lymantria dispar L.), Lackey moth (Malacosoma neustria L.), Brown-tail moth (Euproctis chrysorrhoea L.), Apple blossom weevil (Anthonomus pomorum L.), Tortrix moths especially Rose tortrix moth (Archips rosana L.), and Large fruit-tree tortrix (Archips podana L.). Entomophages have also been obtained, which belong to the families of Braconidae and the Ichneumonidae.

Modeling the effect of multiple pests on ecosystem services provided by fruit crops: Application to apple

CONTEXTIn agroecosystems, crop pests have long been controlled by the intensive use of synthetic pesticides. To lower the dependency on pesticides, alternative crop protection strategies such as Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and Agroecological Crop Protection (ACP) have been proposed. In this context, it is crucial to consider multiple pests and their effects on host plant functioning and, ultimately, on system performance. OBJECTIVEWe aim to develop a pest-crop model to account for the effect of multiple pests on fruit tree functioning and the resulting ecosystem services provided by an orchard, using apple as a case study. METHODSFirst, we identified possible mechanisms of pest disturbance on apple tree for ten major pests: rosy and woolly apple aphid, codling, oriental and tortrix moths, red mite, powdery mildew, European canker, fire blight and apple scab. We classified them into seven functional groups: resource stealers, leaf area reducers, assimilation rate reducers, water transport reducers, assimilate sappers, fruit senescence accelerators and fruit marketability depreciators. Second, we defined coupling functions for each functional group. These describe the reduction of target variables in an existing fruit tree model (QualiTree), i.e. the variables to which the pest disturbances directly apply, as a function of pest abundances. Parameter values of the coupling functions were estimated based on the literature. Third, we used simulations in standard cultural conditions and a Monte Carlo Bayesian Sensitivity Analysis to test and hierarchize the effect of pests on the variation of nine indicators of four classes of ecosystem services (namely fruit production, climate regulation, soil nitrogen availability and water cycle maintenance and regulation).RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSOnly four indicators were affected by the considered pests: refractometric index (measuring fruit sugar content), marketable yield, carbon sequestration and water drainage. The variations in refractometric index and in marketable yield were largely explained by the main effects of water transport reducers and fruit senescence accelerators, respectively. The latter also contributed the most to carbon sequestration variation. The variation in water drainage was largely explained by the main effect of mildew, an assimilation rate reducer. SIGNIFICANCEOur approach provides an operational tool to assess the impact of multiple pests on orchard ecosystem services. The model also opens up the possibility of studying the impact of pests in different ecological and technical contexts. For this, it must be coupled with models capable of predicting pest abundances as a function of cultivation practices and biotic and abiotic conditions.

Male and Female Tortricid Moth Response to Non-Pheromonal Semiochemicals.

In eastern North America, apple orchards are often attacked by several species of tortricid moths (Lepidoptera), including Cydia pomonella, Grapholita molesta, Argyrotaenia velutinana, and Pandemis limitata. Sex pheromones are routinely used to monitor male moth populations. Adding plant volatiles to monitoring traps could increase the capture of moths of both sexes and improve the effectiveness of mating disruption systems. This study sought to quantify the attraction of adults of four tortricid moth species to five olfactory treatments, namely (1) Pherocon® CM L2-P, (2) Pherocon Megalure CM 4K Dual® (=Megalure), (3) Megalure + benzaldehyde, (4) TRE 2266 (linalool oxide + (E)-4,8-dimethyl-1,3,7-nonatriene (DMNT)), and (5) TRE 2267 (linalool oxide + DMNT + benzaldehyde), in non-mating disrupted commercial apple orchards in Massachusetts. The commercial lure Megalure was attractive to both sexes of G. molesta and C. pomonella. The addition of benzaldehyde to TRE 2266 or to Megalure significantly increased the capture of male G. molesta during the mid and late season of 2021. Only when benzaldehyde was added to TRE 2266 did the latter lure attract P. limitata in 2020 and 2021. The greatest number of tortricid moths (all four species combined) was captured by TRE 2267. This finding highlights the opportunity to enhance the attractiveness of a commercial lure through the addition of benzaldehyde, an aromatic compound, to Megalure. The potential of these additional volatiles to detect moths in a mating-disrupted orchard and/or remove female moths as a component of a management system is discussed.