Potential of entomopathogenic fungal isolates for Control of the soil-dwelling life stages of Thaumatotibia leucotreta Meyrick (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in citrus

• Main Authors: Coombes, C A, Hill, M P, Dames, J F
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: 2017
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/59885; https://doi.org/10.4001/003.025.0235

Thaumatotibia leucotreta Meyrick (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) is a key pest of citrus in South Africa. In addition to the fruit damage caused, export markets such as the United States, South Korea and China regulate T. leucotreta as a phytosanitary organism in addition to restricting the use of pesticides on exported fruit (Grout & Moore 2015; SA-DAFF 2015). The bulk of citrus in South Africa is exported (Citrus Growers' Association 2015). Thus, the control of T. leucotreta is crucial. Consequently, the citrus industry adopts a zero tolerance approach controlling the pest, being strongly reliant on integrated pest management (Moore & Hattingh 2012). Numerous control options are available, but are largely limited to use against the above-ground life stages of this pest: eggs, neonates and adults (Moore & Hattingh 2012; Grout & Moore 2015).