The anarsia lineatella It is an insect that acts as a kind of borer for stone fruit trees. It was described in 1839 by Zeller and today it is known for its peculiarity of attack the aforementioned fruits of the family Rosaceae. For many years, researchers who study the family Gelechiidae they think that the Anarsia, includes a hidden variety.
Description
The anarsia lineatella It is an insect of the Lepidopteran group that attacks stone fruit trees; especially the peach tree. It is found widespread in all the growing areas of this type of fruit tree.
The adults are medium-sized butterflies, with greyish forewings that present linear lines that go from light to dark; while its hind wings are a bit lighter. Its wings, both rear and front, are softly fringed. Their larvae are divided into zones and have some species of reddish and yellow bandages.. The damage that this insect produces is determined by the larval stage that affects the various areas of the plants; be its flowers, fruits and even its buds.
In addition, this insect presents a series of very particular morphological characteristics, since the male has a third vestigial segment of the labial palp, a rear wing with a curved elevation and a kind of mechanism that has the function of blocking or braking the wing, such as a bridle. Male genitalia are asymmetrical and the female ones have very different ventral and dorsal sides, with an oblique, relatively asymmetric antrum.
Damage of the insect Anarsia lineatella
Flower damage
This usually occurs in early spring, in this period the worms penetrate the shoots and kill them.
Damage to sprouts
This is a particularly dangerous damage to plants; To the point that the larvae enter the interior of the plant and open tunnels at the level of the pith. In a short time the shoots wither and later die; frequently the larvae also eat the base of the groups of leaves, causing the same deterioration that occurred in the shoots.
Fruit damage
The damage done to fruits is similar to that produced by the oriental moth or Cydia molesta. The larvae tunnel into the pulp first in a superficial way, later in a deeper way. Pieces are usually seen coming out through the joined points. The fruits tend to fall off the tree or rot as a result of secondary pathogens.
Lifecycle
The activity related to the nutrition of the larvae begins in the spring, during the time of the vegetative restart. The youngest larvae remain for the winter in tiny shelters under the bark of young branches. Meanwhile, the movement of adult insects occurs in late spring during the months of May to June, always obeying the ambient temperature.
Stages of development
Adult
At this stage the insect looks like a butterfly 10 to 16 mm in lengthhas narrow, greyish wings with dark and light lines.
Egg
The eggs of the anarsia lineatella They have the following dimensions, 0.3 x 0.5 mm, are elongated, white and shiny, then turn yellow over time.
Larva
This has an approximate length of 14 to 16 mm, head shows alternating rings of black and brown body around the abdomen giving it a ring-like countenance.
Pupa
In this stage that the insect goes from larva to adult, it presents a brownish color that can ordinarily be observed in protected places in the tree
Defense methods
There are various methods to combat and eliminate anarsia lineatellaThese include both chemical control and integrated defense processes. The integral defense method against the insect is carried out through samplings and then with the evaluation of the adults present.
In the method of capturing adults, a series of pheromone traps are used suitable for attracting both male and female specimens. Once several samples are verified, a decision can be made as to the most efficient strategy.
A widely used procedure that gives good results is the propagation of substances capable of causing sexual confusion in insects. These substances, used at appropriate time intervals during the different stages of insect development, are capable of greatly limiting their appearance, thanks to the fact that prevents mating of adult insects.
