Twig Borer Research Articles

Two invasive bark beetles Phloeosinus armatus Reitter and Xylosandrus compactus (Eichhoff) (Coleoptera, Curculionidae: Scolytinae) newly recorded in Russia

AbstractIn 2023, two bark beetle species were recorded in Russia for the first time based on findings in Sochi: the cypress bark beetle, Phloeosinus armatus, on Mediterranean cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) and the black twig borer, Xylosandrus compactus, on southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora), noble laurel (Laurus nobilis), and cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus). P. armatus is a Mediterranean pest attacking exclusively Cupressaceae. In Sochi, it was recorded on cypress trees in several locations, including on plants for planting imported from Italy. X. compactus is a highly polyphagous pest from East Asia. In Sochi, it has established populations in ornamental planted areas. The paper provides species descriptions with identification keys. One specimen of X. compactus from Sochi was DNA‐barcoded and compared with 31 specimens deposited in the BOLD and GenBank under the name of X. compactus. High genetic variability (>7%) was detected highlighting the difficulty of identifying ‘true’ X. compactus using DNA data. Genetically, the specimen of X. compactus from Sochi was identical to those from Italy, Spain and France. An accidental introduction with ornamental plants for planting from Italy is considered the most probable pathway of invasion of both bark beetle species into the Russian Black Sea coast of the Caucasus.

Ant communities and their trophobionts shape the incidence of pests and diseases in Indonesia’s coffee agroforestry system

Abstract. Muhammad FN, Rizali A, Rahardjo BT. 2024. Ant communities and their trophobionts shape the incidence of pests and diseases in Indonesia’s coffee agroforestry system. Biodiversitas 25: 1127-1134. Ants play various roles in a coffee agroecosystem, and their presence may impact biological control in coffee plantations. Despite the pantropical economic importance of coffee, most research is focused on the Americas. This study investigates how ant communities and their trophobionts shape the incidences of pests and diseases in the Indonesian shade coffee agroecosystem. Three 30 m x 30 m plots consisting of a total of 256 coffee plants were observed from January to March 2022. Ant communities and their trophobiont were observed using three methods: visual, tuna bait, and live bait. The ants found were classified into dominant and non-dominant based on their nesting behavior and dominance in the bait trap. Pest damage and disease intensity observation were also conducted three times. Generalized linear models were used to test the relationships between ant, hemipteran, coffee berry borer, twig borer damage and leaf rust disease intensity. Twenty-one species of ants were found, and five of them were categorized as dominant ants. Ants correlate coffee pest damage and disease intensity, their hemipteran trophobionts, or both. Dolichoderus thoracicus ant positively correlated with all trophobiont hemipteran and negatively correlated with twig borer damage. Technomyrmex albipes positively correlated with aphids but negatively with flatids. Meanwhile, Tetraponera sp.1 ant only positively correlated with flatids. In trophobiont hemipteran group, all except aphids positively correlated with coffee pests and disease. Scale insect Coccus viridis positively correlated with coffee leaf rust and twig borer infestation intensity, while flatid presence even positively correlated with all coffee plant pest and disease intensity. Indirectly, ants may reduce coffee pests and diseases through hemipteran suppression. The results suggest that the interaction of ants and their trophobiont hemipteran can act as a biological control agent for coffee pests and diseases.

Exploring dynamics of plant-herbivore interactions: bifurcation analysis and chaos control with Holling type-II functional response.

In this study, we examine the plant-herbivore discrete model of apple twig borer and grape vine interaction, with a particular emphasis on the extended weak-predator response to Holling type-II response. We explore the dynamical and qualitative analysis of this model and investigate the conditions for stability and bifurcation. Our study demonstrates the presence of the Neimark-Sacker bifurcation at the interior equilibrium and the transcritical bifurcation at the trivial equilibrium, both of which have biological feasibility. To avoid unpredictable outcomes due to bifurcation, we employ chaos control methods. Furthermore, to support our theoretical and mathematical findings, we develop numerical simulation techniques with examples. In summary, our research enhances the comprehension of the dynamics pertaining to interactions between plants and herbivores in the context of discrete-time population models.

Larval instars determination for the twig borer weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) of Falcataria moluccana (Miq.) Barneby & Grimes in Moluccas, Indonesia

In establishing an integrated pest control strategy, it is important first to discover the life history of a potential agent, including the number of larval instars. The snout-weevil of the tribe Ithyporini Genus species (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is a holometabolous insect that attacks Falcataria moluccana, a native tree of the Moluccas (Maluku), Indonesia. Preliminary observations show that their larvae feed and develop as a twig borer, making direct observation of their development complicated. This study aimed to determine the number of larval instars by measuring the head capsule width (HCW) and the growth pattern of larvae. As many as 940 larvae of all sizes were collected from three islands in Maluku Province: Ambon, Seram, and Haruku. Kernel density estimation (KDE) and Gaussian mixture model (GMM) were used for data analysis. The growth instars were verified using Brooks-Dyar’s rule. The results indicated four peaks in the frequency distribution from KDE, and cluster four showed the best-fit model from GMM. The growth ratio of HCW was 1.47, which also agrees with Brooks-Dyar’s rule that the growth ratio was consistent and followed a constant geometric. Thus, this research concluded that there were four instars for Ithyporini Gen. sp. larvae.

Climate change impacts on insect pests for high value specialty crops in California

California is a global leader in production and supply of walnuts and almonds, and the state is the largest producer of peaches in the U.S. These crops have an important contribution to the California's agricultural economy. Damages to these crops from lepidopteran pests, mainly from Codling moth (Cydia pomonella) (family: Tortricidae), Peach twig borer (Anarsia lineatella) (family: Gelechiidae) and Oriental fruit moth (Grapholita molesta) (family: Tortricidae), are still high, despite the improvement in pest management activities. Given that temperature increase can directly impact the rate of growth and development of these pests, it is important to understand to what extent dynamics of these pests will change in future in California. The objective of this study was to quantify changes in the biofix, lifecycle length, and number of generations for these pests for the entire Central Valley of California. Using a well-established growing-degree days (GDD) model calibrated and validated using observations from orchards of California, and climate change projections from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phases 5 and 6 (CMIP5 and CMIP6) General Circulation Models, we found that biofix dates of these pests are expected to shift earlier by up to 28 days, and length of generations is expected to be shortened by up to 19 days, and up to 1.4 extra generations of these pests can be added by the end of the century depending on the scenario. Results from this work would enable industries to prioritize development of practices that are more effective in the long run, such as developing better cultural and biological pest solutions and insect tolerant varieties. Growers and researchers can take proactive actions to minimize future risks associated with these damaging pests. This work can be scalable to other pests and regions to understand regional dynamics of damaging agricultural pests under climate change.

Correction to: Black twig borer and other ambrosia and bark beetles in Israel

Correction to: Black twig borer and other ambrosia and bark beetles in Israel

An accurate, efficient, and economical identification technology for black twig borer based on species-specific cytochrome C oxidase subunit I PCR assay.

Xylosandrus compactus (Eichhoff) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Scolytinae) is a worldwide invasive species that causes huge economic loss and environmental damage in many countries. Traditional morphological characteristics make it hard to identify scolytines due to their tiny size. Besides, the intercepted insect samples are incomplete, and the limitation of insect (larvae and pupae) morphology makes morphological identification more difficult. The majority of the damage is caused by adults and fungi that serve as nutrition for their larvae. They destroy plant trunks, branches, and twigs, affecting plant transport tissues in both weak and healthy plants. An accurate, efficient, and economical molecular identification technique for X. compactus not restricted by professional taxonomic knowledge is necessary. In the present study, a molecular identification tool based on the mitochondrial DNA gene, cytochrome C oxidase subunit I (COI) was developed. A species-specific COI (SS-COI) PCR assay was designed to identify X. compactus regardless of the developmental stage. Twelve scolytines commonly found in eastern China, namely Xylosandrus compactus, X. crassiusculus, X. discolor, X. germanus, X. borealis, X. amputates, X. eupatorii, X. mancus, Xyleborinus saxesenii, Euwallacea interjectus, E. fornicatus, and Acanthotomicus suncei, were included in the study. Additionally, specimens of X. compactus from 17 different areas in China, as well as a specimen collected from the United Stated, were also analyzed. Results demonstrated the accuracy and high efficiency of the assay, regardless of the developmental stage or the type of specimen. These features provide a good application prospect for fundamental departments and can be used to prevent the harmful consequences of the spread of X. compactus.

Black twig borer and other ambrosia and bark beetles in Israel, Symposium 2023

Black twig borer and other ambrosia and bark beetles in Israel, Symposium 2023

ՆՇԵՆՈՒ ՀԻՎԱՆԴՈՒԹՅՈՒՆՆԵՐԸ ՀՀ ԱՐՄԱՎԻՐԻ ՄԱՐԶԻ ԵՐՎԱՆԴԱՇԱՏ ՀԱՄԱՅՆՔԻ ՊԱՅՄԱՆՆԵՐՈՒՄ

As a part of the research, the species composition of almond diseases, as well as the susceptibility of different almond varieties, was studied. The following diseases and pests were detected at Armavir Marz: shot hole disease, almond leaf scorch, foamy canker, chlorosis, gummosis, peach twig borer, and green peach aphid. Trees of the Guara variety were infected with shot hole and gummosis, Penta - with gummosis, leaf scorch, and chlorosis. Diseases were not detected in trees of the Lauranne variety. Almond leaf scorch (Xylella fastidiosa Wells et al.) and foamy canker (Zymomonas Kluyver and van Niel) diseases were recorded in Armenia for the first time. Plant pathogenic fungi Arthrinium sp./Apiospora sp., Fusarium acuminatum, F. Incarnatum-equiseti, F. oxysporum, Valsa sordida (Cytospora chrysosperma), as well as non-pathogenic fungi Clonostachys rosea, Lachancea quebecensis, Mucor circinelloides, Pichia kudriavzevii and Torulaspora sp. have been isolated and identified from almond branches and trunks infected with gummosis.

Alternative plant protection strategies for tomorrow's coffee

AbstractContinuous pesticide usage has negative impacts on people and ecosystems associated with coffee farms. Alternative plant protection strategies can be implemented that are sustainable for both the environment and the coffee farmer. In this review, new genomic techniques (NGTs) such as RNAi (RNA interference, using spray‐induced gene silencing – SIGS) are presented as a possible novel strategy to manage Coffea arabica pests and diseases. Exploitation of the coffee agroforestry system (AFS) is presented as another strategy, offering both plant protection and ecosystem restoration functions. Interactions within a coffee‐AFS were found to both hinder and bolster the development of some coffee pests and diseases. Biological control represents a third strategy that has been examined to‐date to combat important coffee pests and diseases (i.e., American leaf spot, black coffee twig borer, coffee berry borer, coffee berry disease, coffee leaf miner, coffee leaf rust, coffee wilt disease and green coffee scale). The astute use of RNAi, AFS and/or biological control have the potential to provide alternatives to conventional pesticides for future sustainable coffee production. However, these approaches must be compatible with the coffee farmers' local needs and accessibility and bolstered through nationwide support by advisory services and coffee authorities.

Infestation rate and cardinal directional preference of pistachio twig borer [Kermania pistaciella Amsel. (Lepidoptera: Tineidae)

BackgroundPistachio twig borer [Kermania pistaciella Amsel, 1964 (Lepidoptera: Tineidae)] is one of the most important pests of pistachio that opens galleries in the shoots and causes blind and sparse-grained clusters and all these damage fruit clusters. However, the infestation rates and cardinal direction preference are unknown for the pest. MethodsThis study determined infestation rate and cardinal direction preference of K. pistaciella in pistachio orchards during 2019 and 2020. The orchards located in in 25 different locations, i.e., Birecik, Bozova, Ceylanpınar, Eyyübiye, Halfeti, Haliliye, Hilvan and Karaköprü districts Şanlıurfa province Turkey. Surveys were carried out in three or four orchards representing each district included in the study. Twenty-five trees were randomly selected from each orchard and one shoot from each side of the tree was collected (100 shoots per orchard) for determining infestation and cardinal directional preference. A total 2500 shoots were observed from the study area and infestation was recorded. ResultsThe highest infestation rate was recorded for Yaslıca village in Bozova district (70%) during 2019, and Göklü village of Halfeti and Akziyaret village in Karaköprü district (29%) during 2020. The lowest infestation rate (2%) was noted for Akrepli village of Ceylanpınar district during both years of the study. Bozova and Halfeti were the most infested districts compared to the rest of the districts included in the study. The highest and the lowest infestation rate was recorded for north and west directions, respectively during both years of study. The average of two years data revealed that infestation rate for the shoots collected from the north direction was 23.68%, while it 20.33% for the shoots collected form west direction. Statistical analysis revealed non-significant difference for infestation rates of the shoots collected from different directions (χ2 = 0,9468; p = 0,8141). ConclusionThe results revealed that all tree directions should be considered for the application of management practices since the pest does not prefer a specific direction. The cost of chemical control is high, but the efficacy is low, which necessitates alternative control methods for the management of the pest.

Antepfıstığı Dalgüvesi Kermania pistaciella AMSEL (LEPIDOPTERA:TINEIDAE) 'nın Braconidae ve Ichnemonidae Familyasından Yeni Kayıt Parazitoitleri

Antepfıstığı Dalgüvesi [Kermania pistacella Ams. (Lep: Tineidae)] ekonomik anlamda zarar yapan türler arasında olup, Antepfıstığı yetiştirilen bütün alanlarda bulunmaktadır. Zararlı kışı bir yıllık sürgünler içerisinde geçirerek meyve gözlerinin dökülmesine sebep olarak ürün kaybına neden olmakta, beslenmesi sırasında zarar gören sürgünde meyve gözleri ve yapraklar dökülmekte, sürgünler kısa kalmaktadır. Larvalar ikinci zararını ise cumba denilen meyve salkımlarına vermektedir. Salkımların içeri giren larva salkım saplarında beslenmekte, bu nedenle meyveler gelişememekte veya dökülmektedir. Bu çalışma ile; antepfıstığı dalgüvesi (K. pistaciella) ’nın 2015-2017 yılları arasında üç farklı rakımda (Alahacı Mahallesi (705 m), Yağmuralan Mahallesi (531 m) ve Gaziantep Merkez Şahinbey İlçesi (856 m)) yerleştirilen kültür kafeslerinde parazitoit çıkış seyri takip edilmiştir.

Influence of seasonal and climatic variables on coffee berry borer (Hypothenemus hampei Ferrari) flight activity in Hawaii

Coffee berry borer (CBB, Hypothenemus hampei Ferrari) is the most serious insect pest of coffee worldwide, yet little is known about the effect that weather variables have on CBB flight activity. We sampled flying female CBB adults bi-weekly over a three-year period using red funnel traps baited with an alcohol lure at 14 commercial coffee farms on Hawaii Island to characterize seasonal phenology and the relationship between flight activity and five weather variables. We captured almost 5 million scolytid beetles during the sampling period, with 81–93% of the trap catch comprised of CBB. Of the captured non-target beetles, the majority were tropical nut borer, black twig borer and a species of Cryphalus. Two major flight events were consistent across all three years: an initial emergence from January-April that coincided with early fruit development and a second flight during the harvest season from September-December. A generalized additive mixed model (GAMM) revealed that mean daily air temperature had a highly significant positive correlation with CBB flight; most flight events occurred between 20–26°C. Mean daily solar radiation also had a significant positive relationship with flight. Flight was positively correlated with maximum daily relative humidity at values below ~94%, and cumulative rainfall up to 100 mm; flight was also positively correlated with maximum daily wind speeds up to ~2.5 m/s, after which activity declined. Our findings provide important insight into CBB flight patterns across a highly variable landscape and can serve as a starting point for the development of flight prediction models.

Technical effectiveness of insecticides against oriental fruit mothand paech twigborerin peachorchards of the South of Ukraine

Goal. To determine the effectiveness of insecticides for peach orchards protection from the main Lepidoptera pests on the basis of clarifying their biological characteristics in the conditions of the South of Ukraine.
 Methods. Field methods. Technical effectiveness of insecticides was determined in peach orchards of Redhaven and Zolota Moskva cultivars. The scheme of the experiment included 6 variants using 5 chemical insecticides. Biological features of Lepidoptera pests development were specified using pheromone traps, in accordance with the generally accepted methodology.
 Results. It was determined that in the conditions of the South of Ukraine during the vegetation periods of the studied years, the development of the oriental fruit moth (Grapholitha molesta Busck.) took place in four generations (one overwintering and three summer generations). The seasonal dynamics of the flight of peach twig borer (Anarsia lineatella Zell.) took place with three peaks, which indicates the development of three generations of the pest. Insecticide trials in the control of oriental fruit moth and peach twig borer in peach orchards allowed to determine that the level of damage to shoots and fruits of the studied peach cultivars by caterpillars of Lepidoptera pests decreased by 4.3—11.3 times compared to the control variant. High technical efficiency was observed when using Lufox 105 EC (1.0 l/ ha) and Match 050 EC (1.0 l/ha) insecticides — 88.0—91.2% and 84.5—88.2%. Use of Radiant 120 SC (0.5 l/ ha) and Proclaim 5 SG, (0.5 kg/ha) provided a reduction in the harmfulness of oriental fruit moth and peach twig borer by 76.5—83.3% and 80.0—86.1% compared to the control.
 Conclusions. Evaluation of the effectiveness of insecticide application in peach orchards showed that all preparations can effectively control the number and harmfulness of oriental fruit moth and peach twig borer in peach orchards in Southern Ukraine. Under the conditions of registration of insecticides Lufox 105 EC, Match 050 EC and Radiant 120, SC can be recommended to protect plantations of this crop.

Early Morphological Growth Response and Incidence of Key Pests Under Two Spacing Regimes of Coffea canephora

Coffea canephora has non-limiting but unexploited yield and quality potential when compared with C. arabica. Coffee tree density optimization can improve fortunes of smallholder farmers. An attractive example is that high productive countries where high plant densities do increase area yield but across boardrecommendations are illogical especially with variety and agroecological variations. We aimed to compare two spacing regimes for growth response and pest incidence using Kituza Robusta clone. Randomized complete block designs with three replications and eight plants per plot were established at four agroecologically diverseon-farm locations. Eleven plant growth variables were measured. In addition incidences of five key pests were assessed. Data was collected on a 3-month interval starting from 12 up to 21 months after planting. Highly significant differences between spacing regimes (p<0.01) were obtained for majority of variables. Mean growth response was generally higher under 3 m x 1 m (high density) than 3 m x 3 m (low density) particularly with stem girth, plant height, length of longest primary branch, and leaf blade length. Conversely, pest incidence of black coffee twig borer, leaf eating beetles, leaf miners, and tailed caterpillars, except skeletonizers was higher under high than low plant densities. The findings provide aguide on implications of high plant densities on growth robustness which is translatable into yield potential; amidst a pest prevalence dilemma in studied type of C. canephora.

Development of DNA Melt Curve Analysis for the Identification of Lepidopteran Pests in Almonds and Pistachios.

Simple SummaryAlmonds and pistachios are fed upon by a diverse assemblage of lepidopteran insects, several of which are economically important pests. Unfortunately, identification of these pests can be difficult, as specimens are frequently damaged during collection, occur in traps with non-target species, and are morphologically similar up to their third instar. Here, we present a quantitative PCR based melt curve analysis for simple, rapid, and accurate identification of six lepidopteran pests of almonds and pistachios: navel orangeworm, peach twig borer, oriental fruit moth, obliquebanded leafroller, raisin moth, and Indian meal moth. We demonstrate that the dissociation or the “melt” temperature(s) of a 658 bp section of cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 provides unambiguous species level identification of these six species and is reproducible in field specimens collected following conventional orchard practices. The melt curve’s simplicity allows it to be performed in any basic molecular biology laboratory with a quantitative PCR.Almonds and pistachios are fed upon by a diverse assemblage of lepidopteran insects, several of which are economically important pests. Unfortunately, identification of these pests can be difficult, as specimens are frequently damaged during collection, occur in traps with non-target species, and are morphologically similar up to their third instar. Here, we present a quantitative PCR based melt curve analysis for simple, rapid, and accurate identification of six lepidopteran pests of almonds and pistachios: navel orangeworm (Amyelois transitella), peach twig borer (Anarsia lineatella), oriental fruit moth (Grapholita molesta), obliquebanded leafroller (Choristoneura rosaceana), raisin moth (Cadra figulilella), and Indian meal moth (Plodia interpunctella). In this approach, the dissociation (melt) temperature(s) of a 658 bp section of cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 was determined using quantitative PCR (qPCR). Within these six species, the distribution and the number of melt peak temperatures provide an unambiguous species level identification that is reproducible when unsheared DNA can be extracted. The test is robust across a variety of sampling approaches including insects removed from sticky card traps, museum specimens, and samples that were left in the field for up to 7 days. The melt curve’s simplicity allows it to be performed in any basic molecular biology laboratory with a quantitative PCR.

Biophenology peach twig borer (Anarsia lineatella Zell.) in the south of Ukraine

Goal. Clarification of certain biological features of development and seasonal dynamics of the flight of peach twig borer in peach orchards of the Southern Steppe of Ukraine.
 Methods. Field — research of the biological features of peach twig borer development using pheromone-trap method was conducted in accordance with generally accepted methods in peach orchards of SPS “Naukova” of Melitopol fruit growing research station named after M.F. Sydorenko of IH of NAAS of Ukraine
 Results. It was determined that in the conditions of peach orchards in the South of Ukraine restoration of feeding peach twig borer caterpillars began in the end of March — the middle of April, and the hatching — in the end of April — the beginning of May. During 2018—2020, the beginning of the flight of butterflies of the pest was observed starting from 06 to 18 May, with the accumulation of the sum of effective temperatures (SET) >8°С 154.5—254.3 and lasted continuously until September 18—30 (134—141 days) with three peaks. The appearance of the pest caterpillars was observed from the 2—3rd ten-day period of May (SET>8°С 299.0—349.5°С). The peaks of peach twig borer flight were observed in the 3rd ten-day period of May, late June — early July, and during the 3rd ten-day period of July — mid-August. The duration of the development of the first generation was 44—50 days, the next — 30—40 days, with accumulation of SET>8°С from imago to imago varying between 436.5 and 743.0°С.
 Conclusions. In the south of Ukraine, three peaks of flight and development of two full generations of peach twig borer are noted, caterpillars of the third generation completed the development in the spring of the following year. Fluctuations in the number of imago during the growing season were influenced by both meteorological factors and the degree of reproduction of the pest of the previous generation. During the years of research, the highest intensity of catching of butterflies of a fruit striped moth was noted in July — August at high mean weakly air temperatures (25.0—26.9°С) and the conditions of severe drought (HTC 0.2).

Xylosandrus compactus, un nuovo parassita forestale invade l’Italia

The black twig borer Xylosandrus compactus, an ambrosia beetle native to Asia, was recorded for the first time in Europe in 2011 in central Italy. This paper reports the progressive dispersal of this invasive species in many Italian regions (Campania 2011, Tuscany and Liguria 2012, Lombardy 2015, Lazio and Sicily 2016, Emilia Romagna 2018, Veneto 2019) and other European countries (France 2015, Spain and Greece 2019). The main features of the biology and ecology are reported, and the infestation symptoms and the produced damages are descripted, as well. An updated list of the potential host-plants is also provided. Finally, protocols for the pest control are suggested.

Population Development of Twig Borer Moth, Kermania pistaciella (Lepidoptera: Oinophilidae) and Its Pupae Parasitoid Microchelonus fissilis (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) on Pistachio in Turkey

Twig borer moth, Kermania pistaciella Amsel is an important of pistachio pest in Turkey. This study was conducted done in four pistachio orchards from 1992-1993 in the Şanlıurfa province of Turkey. The objective was to quantify damage caused by K. pistaciella in pistachio and measure and population development of K. pistaciella and its specific pupae parasitoid Microchelonus fissilis TOB.. K. pistaciella overwinter as mature larvae in galleries in 1-2 yr old shoots; beginning in March, larvae leave galleries and pupae on the shoots in which they overwintered. Adult flight occurred in April and May. First flight of M. fissilis occurred 1-2 wks after first flight of K. pistaciella. One hundred shoots were inspected in each experiment orchard and maximums of 35 pupae were observed in 1992 in Tülmen village, and 40 pupae 1993 in Altınova village. The maximum rate of parasitism was 45% in 1992 in Ayran village and 57% in 1993 in Altınova village. The maximum damage caused by each generation of K. pistaciella larvae was determined as 45% in 1992 in Altınova village and 38% in 1993 at the same village.

Population and harmfulness of phytophages in peach orchards in the conditions of the Southern Steppe of Ukraine

Goal. To determine the number and harmfulness of the main phytophages on peach cultivars of different ripening terms in order to plan measures to protect the crop from pest damage.
 Methods. Laboratory-field. The research was carried out in peach orchards of the Scientific and Production Site «Naukova» of Melitopol Fruit Growing Research Station named after M.F. Sydorenka of Institute of Horticulture of NAAS according to generally accepted methods. Monitoring of the number of phytophages was performed on peach cultivars of different ripening terms: Iiun`s`kyi rannii, Melіtopol’s’kyi iasnyi, Charivnyk, Zlatodar, Vireneia, Redhaven, Spokusa, Zolotystii, Mriia and Yuvileinyi Sydorenka during bud swelling, inflorescence opening (pink tip), flowering, growth and maturations of the fruits.
 Results. Entomoacarocenosis of peach plantations has 15 species of insects pests and 2 species of mites. During the flowering period, the main harmful species was Epicometis hirta Poda., the number of imagoes in different cultivars was 0.3—5.8 specimens/100 flowers. Population intensity of peach trees with green peach aphids (Myzodes persicae Sulz.) for certain cultivars reached the level of 1.9 points, mealy plum aphid (Hyalopterus pruni Geoffr.) — did not exceed 0.8 points. Density of mites, Thrips fuscipennis Haliche and Typhlocyba rosae L. varied in the range of 0.4—2.5; 0.8—2.4; 0.5—1.6 specimen/leaf, respectively. The main fruit-damaging pests in peach orchards were oriental fruit moth (Grapholitha molesta Busck.) and peach twig borer (Anarsia lineatella Zell.). The degree of fruit damage by Lepidoptera pest oriental fruit moth on early-ripening peach cultivars was 3.0—4.0%, increased on medium- and late-ripening cultivars to 6.8% and 11.7%, respectively. The level of fruit damage by peach twig borer compared to the eastern fruit moth was 2.8—10.7 times lower, depending on the cultivar.
 Conclusions. In the conditions of the South of Ukraine, 15 insect pests and 2 species of mites were recorded in peach orchards. During the growing season, the number of most species of phytophagous, including weevils, leafroller moths, mites, thrips, Typhlocyba rosae on different peach cultivars did not exceed the economic threshold of harmfulness. During the flowering period, Epicometis hirta was the threat to peach orchards. In the summer of 2019, the harmful effects of sucking phytophages, in particular aphids, led to delayed growth and development of shoots, deformation of leaves. The main species of pests that reduced the yield and fruit quality were oriental fruit moth and peach twig borer.