The fruit sucking moth (FSM), also known as Othreis materna, is a serious pest of citrus fruits, including oranges. It is native to India and Southeast Asia, but has also been introduced to other parts of the world, such as Africa and the Middle East. FSMs feed on the juice of fruits, which can cause them to become discolored, misshapen, and fall off the tree. They can also transmit diseases to the fruit.
Type of Infestation: Pest
Common Name: Fruit sucking moth
Causal Organism: Otheris materna, O. ancilla, O. fullonica
Affected Parts Of the plant: Fruit
Identification:
- The adult moth is about 2-3 cm long and has orange-brown wings with three black spots.
- The caterpillars are green with black spots and can grow up to 5 cm long.
Environmental favorable factors for pests/Diseases:
Temperature: Fruit sucking moths are most active at night, with peak activity typically occurring between 22°C and 28°C (72°F and 82°F). They are less active at temperatures below 18°C (64°F) and above 32°C (90°F).
Humidity: Higher humidity levels (70-80%) tend to favor moth activity, especially during egg laying and larval development. However, excessively high humidity (>90%) can be detrimental to the moths.
Symptoms of Pest/Disease:
Pin-hole punctures: Adult moths pierce the fruits with their proboscis to suck the juice, leaving behind small, characteristic pin-hole punctures on the rind. These punctures can be single or multiple and may have a discolored ring around them.
Premature fruit drop: Fruit that has been damaged by fruit sucking moths may fall from the tree prematurely. This is often due to secondary infections that enter the fruit through the punctures.
Frothy discharge: In some cases, a frothy discharge may ooze from the punctures. This is caused by the fermentation of the fruit juices by the moth's saliva.
Fruit discoloration: The area around the punctures may become discolored, often appearing yellow or brown.
Rotting: Fruit that has been damaged by fruit sucking moths is more susceptible to rotting, both from the initial damage and from secondary infections.
Measures to control Pests/Diseases:
| Products |
Technical Names |
Dosages |
| EMA5 |
Emamectin benzoate 5 % SG |
80-100 grams per Acre |
| Metarhizium anisopliae |
|
3 ml per Liter water |
| K-INDOX |
INDOXACARB 14.5% SC |
200 ml per Acre |
