Neotropical Entomology (2011) 40, 415-420

E.D.B. da Silva, T.M.A. Kuhn and L.B. Monteiro (2011)
Oviposition behavior of Grapholita molesta Busck (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) at different temperatures
Neotropical Entomology 40 (4), 415-420
Abstract: Cultivation of temperate-climate fruits is economically important for Brazil. Grapholita molesta Busck is a pest that causes damage to apples, peaches, plums, and pears growing in different micro-regions of southern Brazil, and understanding its reproductive behavior is essential to develop control strategies. The objective of this study was to ascertain the influence of different temperatures (13, 16, 19, 22, and 25ºC) on the oviposition behavior of G. molesta. Females of G. molesta were placed in individual plastic containers, and the pre-oviposition period and the number of eggs laid were assessed until adult death. Temperature influenced the pre-oviposition period, and females kept at 22º were the first to lay their eggs. Oviposition occurred over a longer period of time at 13ºC than at the higher temperatures. The highest total number of eggs was obtained at 19ºC, with the mean daily oviposition being directly proportional to the temperature. There was a negative interaction between the pre-oviposition period and the total number of eggs laid by females. The most suitable temperature for oviposition of G. molesta was 19ºC.
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Database assignments for author(s): Lino Bittencourt Monteiro

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
general biology - morphology - evolution
environment - cropping system/rotation

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Grapholita molesta	Apple (Malus)	Brazil (south)
	Grapholita molesta	Peach/nectarine (Prunus persica)	Brazil (south)
	Grapholita molesta	Pear (Pyrus)	Brazil (south)
	Grapholita molesta	Plum/prune (Prunus domestica)	Brazil (south)