Species Composition of Frugivorous Insects of Citrus and Attractant–repellent-based Management of Primary Fruit Piercer, Eudocima materna

Studies were conducted to understand the preference of fruits by fruit-piercing moth (Eudocima sp.) and the efficacy of repellents/deterrents for the management of insect-pest-related fruit drop in citrus. The activity of Eudocima sp. was observed between August and December, with the most damage occurring in September (13.35%) and October (21.5%) during the color-breaking stage of Nagpur mandarin. Foliar application of petroleum spray oil at a rate of 2% or neem oil at a rate of 1% every two weeks during the color-breaking stage until harvest significantly reduced fruit drop (48.0%–70.0%) caused by the fruit-piercing moths. Simultaneously, hanging two polypropylene sachets with phorate or acephate, 10 g per tree, during the ambia (spring) season also significantly reduced fruit drop (<7%) due to the moths.