IPM on peaches in Brazil: Actual situation and future trends

Peaches are grown in nearly 20,000 ha in Brazil, being one of the most important temperate fruits. Production is concentrated mainly in the Southern Region, and fruits are destined for internal market with 50% for fresh consumption and 50% for canning industry. The major pests are Oriental Fruit Moth Grapholita molesta (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) and South American Fruit Fly Anastrepha fraterculus (Diptera: Tephritidae), which causes 100% damage in non-treated orchards. Secondary pests include mites (Tetranychus urticae and Panonychus ulma) and the white peach scale Pseudaulacaspis pentagona. Actual pest management is based on 4-6 pesticide applications per season (dimethoate, fenitrothion, fenthion and trichlorfon), to control G. molesta and A. fraterculus. As a result of this treatment program, growers need to control P. pentagona and mites after harvest, resulting in additional spraying. Mating disruption is not available for pest management in the country. To reduce chemical insecticides in peaches, an Integrated Fruit Production program is being conducted, aimed at producing fruits with high quality and low residue levels. To employ this new production system, pest monitoring is based on the use of pheromones and food lures establishing threshold levels. New compounds were evaluated including IGR for G. molesta and ethofemprox and spinosad for pre-harvest treatments. Also, neonicotinoids insecticides are being developed for White Peach Scale control in localized applications. The goal of this program is to reduce organic phosphate compounds and hence, the amount of chemicals and human health risk, preserve natural control and produce fruits with low residue levels.