Pg. 8 Control of the Litchi Moth, Argyroploce Pertastica Meyr

An illustrated description is given of the litchi moth, Argyroploce peltastica and its control.

Summary:

• The article provides an illustrated description of the litchi moth, Argyroploce peltastica, and its control measures.
• The moth lays eggs on the fruit skin during development; larvae tunnel through the skin into the seed where they develop and later pupate.
• Infested fruit can rot on the tree due to fungal infections entering through larval damage holes, or decay occurs during transit/marketing.
• Damage caused by larvae can lead to visible fruit skin damage and cracking during fruit growth.
• Chemical control combined with the use of protective litchi bags on fruit bunches is recommended to protect against infestations.
• Bags should be tied around fruit bunches in early November after fruit drop and left until harvest six to eight weeks later.
• Recommended insecticides include:
  • Alsystin 480 sc (triflumuron), a chitin synthesis inhibitor, applied as a single spray 40 days before harvest (28-day safety period).
  • Nomolt 150 sc (teflubenzuron), applied when fruit diameter reaches 10 mm, with an optional second application two weeks later for export fruit (18-day safety period).
• Orchard sanitation is critical, especially in nearby host plants like macadamia nuts, which can harbor larvae; this includes removing and destroying fallen nuts and shells.
• Other host plants include pride of Barbados, flamboyant, pride of the Cape, and some Acacia species.
• The combination of chemical control, protective bags, and orchard sanitation is emphasized for effective litchi moth management.
• This summary captures the main points of the article about identifying, controlling, and preventing damage from the litchi moth in orchards.
• The article describes the litchi moth, Argyroploce peltastica, its lifecycle, and control measures.
• Eggs are laid on fruit skin; larvae bore into seed, causing damage and potential fungal rot.
• Larval damage can lead to fruit skin cracking and unnoticed decay during transport.
• Control includes chemical insecticides and protective litchi bags on fruit bunches from November to harvest.
• Recommended insecticides: Alsystin 480 sc (triflumuron) and Nomolt 150 sc (teflubenzuron), applied with specific timing and safety periods.
• Orchard sanitation in nearby host plants like macadamia is critical to reduce infestation sources.
• Other host plants include pride of Barbados, flamboyant, pride of the Cape, and some Acacia species.
• Effective control relies on combined use of insecticides, protective bags, and orchard sanitation.