PHEROMONE MATING DISRUPTION WITH REFERENCE TO ORIENTAL FRUIT MOTH Grapholita molesta (Busck). (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae). (LITERATURE REVIEW)

Mating disruption is recognized as a powerful tool for control of OFM and is used by the majority of peach growers in Australia in regions where this insect is a pest. In some situations, control has been less than perfect and reasons for this are examined. Commercial formulations appear to have acceptable performance. Migration of mated moths from untreated peaches and other hosts is likely to be the principal cause of breakdown of control under mating disruption. Flights of females have been measured and are typically 160 metres with distances of up to 3 kilometres recorded. Movement can be focussed onto attractive susceptible peach crops, further magnifying the effect. This problem has been overcome by area wide use of mating disruption both in South Africa and Australia. Resistance to mating disruption has not been recorded but the possibility exists. Potential mechanisms are discussed.