All or nothing: Area-wide approach frustrates peachtree borers in Georgia

Authors: Cottrell, Ted

Submitted to: Pecan Grower
Publication Type: Trade Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/11/2017
Publication Date: 2/1/2017
Citation: Cottrell, T.E. 2017. All or nothing: Area-wide approach frustrates peachtree borers in Georgia. Pecan Grower. 56(2):26-28.

Interpretive Summary: Mating disruption against the peachtree and lesser peachtree borers attacking peach was done over 1,000 acres of peach in central Georgia during 2015 and 2016. Trap shutdown was obtained season-long with some low, but expected, moth catch orchards with higher pest density and missing trees. At this area-wide scale, mating disruption reduced reproduction of these pests in the orchard.

Technical Abstract: Mating disruption research has been done in the southeast against borers attacking peach since the sex pheromones of the peachtree borer, Synanthedon exitiosa (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae) and lesser peachtree borer, S. pictipes (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae) were identified. However, replicated trials over three seasons using 20-acre plots provided great results regarding trap shutdown in mating disruption orchards but borer reproduction was not reduced. It was apparent that successful implementation of mating disruption would require an area-wide approach that would counteract the flight capability of the pest. During 2015 and 2016, nearly 1,000 acres of commercial peaches in central Georgia were put under mating disruption. All of this acreage was within about a 21 sq. mile area and all peach, regardless of age or acreage, was treated. Trap shutdown was obtained season-long with some low, but expected, moth catch orchards with higher pest density and missing trees. At this area-wide scale, mating disruption reduced reproduction.