Pg. 29-31 Control of the litchi moth

The objectives of this study were to research the biology of the litchi moth Cryptophlebia peltastica (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) with the aim of improving timing of chemical control, evaluate potentially effective pesticides and to develop an effective rearing technique for the insect in captivity. Chemicals were applied when the mean mass of a sub sample of aborted fruit reached approximately 2 g. Although slight differences were observed between the treatments, all three compounds were able to contain the litchi moth effectively. Litchi moth females preferred to oviposit on larger fruit which appeared to be comparable to the population dynamics of tortricid moths on macadamias. The relative seasonal abundance of damage to the fruit were also similar to damage patterns of tortricid moths on macadamias, although further research is required to clarify this observation conclusively. Significant controversy
currently exists regarding damage symptoms of litchi moth versus fruit flies. To complicate matters further it was also observed that the coconut bug, Pseudotheraptus wayi (Hemiptera: Coreidae), fed on litchis towards the end of the fruit maturation phase. Additionally, an unidentified coreid bug was also observed on two localities in the Nelspruit region. Damage symptoms and habits of the pests species concerned are briefly discussed in an attempt to elucidate the current situation, as wrong interpretations could have significant financial implications for the producer.