Pattern of Infestation and characteristic damage of the citrus rind borer Prays endolemma Diakonoff Lepidoptera Yponomeutidae on pummelo Citrus maxima (Burm) Merr. Rutaceae in Region XI Philippines

Issue Date

10-2012

Abstract

The citrus rind borer (CRB) Prays endolemma Diakonoff is the major insect pest of pummelo in Region XI. Infestation occurs at flower bud formation until early fruit development or approximately 21 days after fruit set. Beyond this time until harvest, the pummelo fruit is no longer oviposited on by CRB. Out of 83 flower buds monitored for onset of CRB damage, 35 were found infested about 6 days after fruit set and subsequently fell off the trees. Among the remaining 48 buds that developed into fruits, only 27 matured and were harvested. All the fruits were infested with CRB and the rind was marred by lumps in areas where the developing larvae were feeding from. When the fifth instar larva exited through a hole in the lump, sticky exudates oozed out and tissues surrounding the exit hole became necrotic. Moderately damaged fruit, at harvest, was characterized by presence of lumps, feeding tunnels that had healed and did not reach the pulp, and at times, formation of extra core. Severely damaged fruit had soft, watery pulp. The most critical period to employ control measures is from flower bud formation until three weeks after fruit set. Unfortunately, with the prevailing flowering schedule in the field wherein almost every month new flowers are formed, the problem is aggravated. field sanitation is a major key to CRB management. Infested buds and young fruits newly fallen from trees may still contain developing larvae. Collecting and destroying them could reduce the CRB population. Furthermore, development of pummelo variety less susceptible to CRB but with excellent fruit quality maintained would give a more sustainable solution to the prevailing CRB pest problem.

Source or Periodical Title

Philippine Entomologist

ISSN

0048-3753

Volume

26

Issue

2

Page

137-155

Document Type

Article

Frequency

biannually

Physical Description

illustrations ; tables

Language

English

En – AGROVOC descriptors

YPONOMEUTIDAE; LEPIDOPTERA; PUMMELOS; CITRUS FRUITS; PLANT PESTS; INFESTATIONS; OVIPOSITION; PHILIPPINES

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