Post-harvest disinfestation of lightbrown apple moth, Epiphyas postvittana Walker (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), with an alkane

Lightbrown apple moth (LBAM), Epiphyas postvittana Walker was used as a test insect to evaluate a post-harvest oil, C15 Ampol CPD, and a spray oil, C23 Ampol DC-Tron NR, both applied as dips. CPD was much more efficacious than C23 DC-Tron NR against exposed third-instar larvae. Higher oil concentrations were required to penetrate and kill larvae sheltering under the calyx of oranges. LBAM eggs were more susceptible to CPD oil than larval stages. LBAM larvae dipped in sublethal doses of oil continued to develop, but the fecundity of both males and females was reduced. DC-Tron had a significant effect on egglaying. CPD and C23 DC-Tron NR affected the fertility of eggs laid. CFD oil sprayed at 50ml litre(-l) on adult LBAM moths reduced their fertility. Factors contributing to the higher efficacy of CPD and its potential use as a post-harvest treatment are discussed. (C) 1999 Society of Chemical Industry.