Dichocrocis punctiferalis Guenee, commonly known as the Peach Fruit Borer, is a species of moth belonging to the family Crambidae. It is widely distributed in both northern and southern fruit-growing regions of China. This pest has a broad host range, feeding on various fruit trees such as peaches, pears, apples, plums, and hawthorns, as well as crops like corn, onions, and sunflowers. The damage caused by this insect is significant, particularly to fruits.
The larvae are the main damaging stage, feeding on the fruit flesh and seeds. They leave behind yellow-brown transparent exudates and frass (insect droppings) inside the fruit, which often leads to rotting and discoloration. These symptoms can severely reduce fruit quality and yield.
Morphologically, the adult moth has a body length of approximately 12 mm. Its body, including the thorax, abdomen, and wings, is covered with black markings. The forewings have 25–30 black spots, while the hind wings have 15–16. The male’s abdominal tip is entirely black. Eggs are small, about 0.6 mm long, oval-shaped, and initially milky white, gradually turning to beige or dark red.
The mature larvae measure between 22–25 mm in length. Their heads are dark, while their bodies vary in color, ranging from light brown to light gray and dark red. Each segment of the body is covered with thick brown hairs, and there are four distinct setae on the abdomen.
Pupae are dark in color and remain enclosed within the cocoon formed by the larvae. They overwinter in crevices of tree bark, on fallen fruits, or in crop residues such as corn cobs and sunflower stalks.
The life cycle of the Peach Fruit Borer varies by region. In Henan Province, it typically completes four generations per year. Overwintering occurs as mature larvae in rough bark cracks of fruit trees, as well as in corn and sunflower residues. By mid-April, these larvae begin to pupate. The adult emergence periods for each generation are as follows: the first generation appears from late May to early June, the second from early June to early July, the third from mid-August to late August, and the fourth from late August to early September. Adults are nocturnal and are strongly attracted to light, sweet substances, and fermented liquids. They feed on nectar and the juices of ripe fruits like grapes and peaches. Female moths lay eggs on the foliage near fruit clusters or at the fruit stems, usually 1–2 eggs per site. The egg stage lasts 7–8 days.
After hatching, the larvae crawl short distances before boring into the fruit. The first generation mainly affects early-season fruits like peaches and apricots, while the second generation targets apples, pears, and late-season peaches. Later generations are more scattered and overlapping, continuing to cause damage until late September, after which they enter the pupal stage and overwinter.
Control measures include:
1. **Removing overwintering larvae**: In mid-April, clear debris from corn, sunflower, and other host plants, and scrape bark from fruit trees, then burn the collected material to reduce the insect population.
2. **Fruit bagging**: Before bagging, apply a spray to eliminate early-stage eggs of the Peach Fruit Borer along with other pests.
3. **Adult trapping**: Use black lights or sugar-vinegar traps to capture adult moths, which can also help control other pests like the Pear Borer.
4. **Manual removal**: Collect fallen fruits and remove infested ones to eliminate larvae.
5. **Insecticide spraying**: For orchards without bagging, apply insecticides during the peak egg-laying period of the first and second generations. Recommended treatments include 50% Fenvalerate emulsion diluted 1000–1500 times, 600 times diluted BT emulsion, 35% Saitan oil at 2500–3000 times, or 2.5% Kung Fu EC diluted 3000 times.
Chili Oil,Chili Oil Sachet,Salty Spicy Flavor Chili Oil,Crispy Chili Oil Pungency
Guizhou Guisanhong Food Co., Ltd , http://www.guisanhong.com