Prediction and monitoring of outbreaks of orchard pests

Abstract

New Zealand orchards are attacked by a complex of insect and mite pests. Repeated sprays of broad-spectrum insecticides are maintained so that the large volume of exported fruit meets stringent quarantine requirements. The nil tolerance of insect infestation places severe restraints on programmes which attempt to reduce spraying through monitoring pest status in orchards. Considerable progress has been achieved in the integrated control of mite pests in commercial orchards. This technique is reviewed. It includes monitoring of the status of pest mites and their insecticide-resistant predators so as to minimise the application of acaricides. Female-produced sex pheromones have been determined for several insects attacking fruit. The use of pheromone traps in monitoring insect activity either to reduce the frequency of insecticide application or to improve their timing is discussed.

Keywords:

• orchard pests
• monitoring
• prediction
• New Zealand