Incidence and Distribution of the Apple Fruit Borer Argyresthia Conjugella Zeller (Yponomeutidae: Lepidoptera) and Its Chemical Control in Western Bhutan.

AUTHOR: Chencho Dorji, Phuntsho Loday

ABSTRACT

The apple fruit borer Argyresthia conjugella Zeller (Yponomeutidae:Lepidoptera) is found to be a serious pest of apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) in the high altitude apple growing areas in Bhutan. More than 80% of fruits can be infested in a particular season. Adult moths were caught by first week of May and infestation on fruits was first detected by mid week of July when the average size of fruits was between 30 to 45 mm in diameter. Two timed cover sprays with Chlorpyrifos 20% EC, at two week interval has been found to give effective control of the fruit borer. Three wild host plants (Malus baccata, Malus sikkimensis, and Pyrus pashia) all belonging to the Rosaceae family are confirmed to be the hosts of the fruit borer.

KEYWORDS:

Apple fruit borer, pests, wild host plants, chemical efficacy

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