Effect of fig tree borer injury on fruit production and population dynamic of adults

Abstract

The objective of this work was to evaluate the injury of Azochis gripusalis Walker, 1859 (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) on fig production (Ficus carica L.) and the effect of climatic factors on the occurrence and population fluctuation of the pest in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Forty fig plants were used to determine the injury level and adult pests were collected weekly by a light trap. The increase of damaged branches affected the weight and the number of fruits produced. The yield reduction and the need for control were at 10% and 40% of pest injury, respectively. The highest occurrence of the pest was registered from December 19 to May 15. Temperature was the most important climatic factor to population fluctuation.