Controlled atmosphere and temperature treatment system to disinfest fruit moth, Carposina sasakii (Lepidoptera: Carposinidae) on apples

Yellow Sticky Cards Reduce the Numbers of Trichogramma dendrolimi (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) Following Augmentative Releases against the Fruit Borers Carposina sasakii (Lepidoptera: Carposinidae) and Grapholita molesta (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in a Pear Orchard

Integrated pest management relies upon mutual compatibility among pest control tactics. The fruit-boring moths Carposina sasakii and Grapholita molesta can be devastating pests of pome and stone fruit production. Trichogramma dendrolimi parasitizes the eggs of these pests, preventing their eclosion, but its efficacy can be reduced by other pest control tactics. We tested T. dendrolimi attraction to five colors, and moth attraction to six colors, in laboratory choice tests, and thereafter deployed yellow sticky cards in tandem with releases of T. dendrolimi in field trials in a pear orchard. Yellow sticky cards deployed at high density trapped T. dendrolimi and reduced their numbers post-release. They also trapped adult G. molesta, which appeared to compensate for reduced egg parasitism on this species, but not on C. sasakii, which had higher abundance in plots with yellow sticky cards. The cards also captured adult lacewings, likely reducing their numbers in the field, but did not capture large numbers of lady beetles. The results suggest that yellow sticky cards can be used at high density to control aphids, psyllids and leafhoppers in early spring (March and April) when natural enemies are in low numbers, then removed in May so as not to interfere with augmentative releases of T. dendrolimi that must be timed to coincide with peak flights of fruit-boring moths. This strategy should enhance the compatibility of yellow sticky cards with egg parasitoid releases.

Phosphine Fumigation Followed by Cold Treatment to Control Peach Fruit Moth, Carposina sasakii, Larvae on “Fuji” Apples Intended for Export

The fumigation of apples using methyl bromide (MeBr) can cause severe deterioration in fruit quality. Moreover, maintaining the quality of apples during postharvest storage and eradicating pests, especially those involved in quarantine issues, are important for facilitating the export of apples, including the “Fuji” apple (Malus pumila var. “Fuji”) in South Korea. In the present study, phosphine (PH3) fumigation as an alternative to MeBr was found to be more effective for the control of peach fruit moth larvae (Carposina sasakii), which had naturally infested Fuji apples, at a high temperature (25 °C) rather than at a low temperature (5 °C). To achieve the industry requirement of better-quality perishable commodities and meet quarantine guidelines for export, PH3 fumigation at the low temperature (5 °C) was followed by cold treatments at 3 ± 2 °C for 2 and 4 weeks, which led to higher efficacy than was achieved using PH3 at 5 °C alone. Given that chemical treatments, such as treatment with 1-methylcyclopropene, can inhibit ethylene synthesis, low-temperature PH3 fumigation for 72 h followed by 4 weeks of cold treatment could also extend the shelf life of apples and resolve known quarantine issues when used as an alternative to MeBr treatment.

Pest categorisation of Carposina sasakii

The EFSA Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of the peach fruit moth, Carposina sasakii Matsumura (Lepidoptera: Carposinidae) for the EU. C. sasakii is not currently regulated in the EU although C. niponensis, a valid species of no economic significance that was previously mistakenly synonymised with C. sasakii, is regulated in Annex IIAI of 2000/29 EC. C. sasakii is a well-defined species that is recognised as a major pest of apples, peaches and pears in eastern China, Japan, Korea and Far East Russia. C. sasakii is not known to occur in the EU. Adult C. sasakii emerge in the spring or early summer. Eggs are laid on host fruits. Larvae burrow into the fruit to develop. Infested fruits often drop early. Larvae exit fruit and overwinter in the soil. In the more southern areas of distribution, there can be two or more generations per year. Import of host fruit provides a potential pathway into the EU. C. sasakii occurs in a range of climates in Asia, some of which occur in the EU. Wild and commercially grown hosts are available within the EU. C. sasakii has the potential to establish within the EU where there could be one or two generations per year. Impacts could be expected in apples, pears and other rosaceous fruit crops. The level of impacts would be uncertain. Phytosanitary measures are available to reduce the likelihood of introduction of C. sasakii. C. sasakii meets all the criteria assessed by EFSA PLHP to satisfy the definition of a Union quarantine pest. C. sasakii does not meet the criteria of occurring within the EU, nor plants for planting being the principal means of spread, so does not satisfy all the criteria for it to be regarded as a Union regulated non-quarantine pest (RNQP).

Effectiveness of carbon dioxide against different developmental stages of Cadra cautella and Tribolium castaneum

Methyl bromide is an excellent fumigant but has been banned because it has high potential for depleting the ozone layer which leads to many environmental and human health hazard issues. In this connection, effectiveness of carbon dioxide (CO₂, 99.9%) was studied as an alternative to methyl bromide under various exposure timings, 25 ± 1 °C, against different developmental stages of the almond moth, Cadra cautella, and red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum. In case of C. cautella, the LT₉₉ against adult, pupa, and larval stages was achieved after 37.5, 78.1, and 99.9 h of CO₂ application, respectively. While for T. castaneum, the LT₉₉ values were obtained after exposure timings of 29.3, 153.9, and 78.4 h against adult, pupa, and larval stages, respectively. Adults were very susceptible; in contrast, pupae and larvae were more tolerant. The susceptibility order was observed as follows: T. castaneum adult > C. cautella adult > C. cautella pupae > T. castaneum larvae > C. cautella larvae > T. castaneum pupae. This study could be useful in developing the management strategies to prevent stored dates from C. cautella and T. castaneum infestation.