Infestation Differences and Control of the Clearwing Moth (Synanthedon myopaeformis Borkh.) in Apple Orchards, Egypt

Pak J Biol Sci. 2022 Jan;25(5):458-467. doi: 10.3923/pjbs.2022.458.467.

Abstract

<b>Background and Objective:</b> The clearwing moth (<i>Synanthedon myopaeformis</i> Borkh.) is considered one of the most dangerous pests infesting apple orchards in Egypt, causing the destruction of apple trees and a significant reduction in tree vigour and yield. Therefore, controlling it has become an important issue. The present study aimed to investigate the differences in <i>S. myopaeformis</i> infestation in apple orchards in different geographical regions and the infestation rates to different agricultural operations. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> The infestation percentages of <i>S. myopaeformis</i> in different geographical regions under varying agricultural operations were determined. Additionally, the amounts of chemical components (e.g., phenols, proline and total carbohydrates and proteins) in the stems and leaves of both infested and healthy apple trees were determined. Finally, the efficacy of seven different materials of varying types to control the borer was tested by painting the trunks of the apple trees. <b>Results:</b> The highest numbers of <i>S. myopaeformis</i> were recorded in July at locations with varying agricultural operations: Melig (25.88 adults), Kafer-Aleim (20.30 adults) and Al-Khatatba (13.02 adults). The emergence percentages recorded at the abovementioned locations were 44.55, 33.40 and 22.05%, respectively. The infested trees contained high amounts of proline and phenols in both stems and leaves, whereas total carbohydrate and protein contents were low. The highest reduction in the emergent population was recorded with the use of the pesticide Ranous (82.16%) and the application of used motor oil on the trunk (78.15%). <b>Conclusion:</b> The proposed treatment of infested apple trees is painting the trunks during the summer months, when <i>S. myopaeformis</i> activity is high, with motor oil and the pesticide Ranous. The accumulation of phenol and proline in the infested trees indicated a type of direct defense mechanism against <i>S. myopaeformis</i> attacks.

Keywords: Apple clearwing moth; agricultural operations; chemical components; control; infestation variance.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Egypt
  • Malus*
  • Moths*
  • Pesticides*
  • Phenols
  • Proline
  • Trees

Substances

  • Pesticides
  • Phenols
  • Proline