Summer Fruit Tortrix Moth, Adoxophyes orana

The summer fruit tortrix moth, Adoxophyes orana is a major pest of fruit crops, particularly apple and pear, in temperate regions (Whittle 1985, Hill1987, INRA 2005). Hosts of this polyphagous pest also include some forest tree species (CAB 2004). Adoxophyes. orana occurs throughout much of Europe and Asia but is not known to occur in the United States (CIE 1982).The Summer Fruit Tortrix Moth feeds on a wide variety of forest tree, but prefers apple, pear, cherry, plum and apricot. It has the two generations in a year. One in summer and the other in Autumn. This moth is reported to feed and develop on more than 50 plant species in multiple families including fruits, forest trees, and ornamentals.   

Pheromone for Summer Fruit Tortrix Moth, Adoxophyes orana

Russell IPM manufactures and supplies pheromone lure traps and complete monitoring systems for Summer Fruit Tortrix Moth, Adoxophyes orana. Pheromone trap data give early warning of the infestation and also will alert the user to low level of populations before they become serious.  

Biology of Adoxophyes orana

There are two generations of this species in a year. The first generation summer caterpillars usually appear at June and attack the leaves and in case of severe infestations caterpillar migrates to the fruit. The 2nd-generation adults appear in August -September, mate and lay eggs. It is know as autumn caterpillars. Then they seek a place for overwintering. Adult female lays in batch of 100-150 eggs and last 25-30 days. Larval stages pass through four instars within 18-21 days. Pupae are dark brown in colour. Pupal development period is 15-20 days.  

Nature of Damage 

Caterpillars attack the plant by feeding the leaves and fruits. Larvae cause potential damage of the fruit surface and also leave holes in the fruit. The first generation of summer fruit tortrix caterpillars causes the greatest economic loss to fruit production. The Second generation also causing large depressions on the fruit surface before overwintering. The fruit attacks allow fungi to invade.

Fig: Damgaged caused by summer fruit tortrix (image full cretdit to inra.fr)

Pheromone application guidelines

The following notes are guidelines of general nature and meant to give the user a head start in implementing pheromone monitoring programme. Local conditions and practices can very and can lead to customisation of the programme. 

Trap selection

The Deltra trap  is most sensitive trap to use for monitoring this insect. However, Moth catcher  may be used in dusty condition or in high moth population density. Do not re-use the trap to monitor different insects as this may lead to mixed catches.

Trap density

Two traps per hectare (2trap/ha) for small holdings and in field of uneven topography. One trap for every two hectares of large scale fields of homogenous lands.

Trap position

Near the highest point of the plant using supporting posts approximately 1 meter high or higher if the crop is higher.

Trap data and interpretation

Collect date weekly from the start of the flight of the over wintering generation.. During the height of the population more frequent reading may be needed. Decisions on pesticide application should not be taken solely on the trap catch data. Climatic and biological considerations should be taken in account.

Lures

Lures can be changed every 4-6 weeks to get the most accurate results.

Lures handling 

Pheromone lures are very sensitive tool. They can be affected by exposure to elevated heat and direct sunshine. Direct touching by hand may cause cross contamination leading to mixed catches in the trap. Some contaminants such as Nicotine may have repellent effect reducing trap catch.

Lure Storage

Cool dry place. Shelf life can very from 3-36 months depending on the storage temperature.  See Technical Data Sheet for further details.