Dichocrocis punctiferalis Guenee is a significant pest affecting peaches and a wide range of other fruits, including apricots, plums, pears, persimmons, and chestnuts. In addition to these, it also damages crops like oranges and oil plants such as sunflowers, corn, and sorghum. This pest poses a serious threat to both fruit production and agricultural yields. What are the signs of damage? Newly hatched larvae feed on the fruit's surface, boring into the peel and causing early-stage damage. As they grow, second-instar larvae penetrate deeper into the fruit, feeding on the developing seeds. A notable sign of infestation is the accumulation of large amounts of frass (insect excrement) outside the fruit. These larvae tend to hide under their own waste, making detection difficult. What do they look like? Adults: They measure about 12 mm in length with a wingspan of 25–28 mm. Their body color is orange-yellow, marked with various black spots. The female has a conical tip at the end of her abdomen, while the male’s tip is black. Eggs: Oval-shaped, measuring 0.6–0.7 mm in length and 0.3 mm in width. Initially white or beige, they turn pink over time. The egg surface has a fine, irregular reticular pattern. Larvae: When fully grown, they can reach up to 25 mm in length. Their back is dark purple, while the belly is light green. The head, thorax, and abdominal segments are brown, with distinct dark brown hairs along the body. Pupae: Approximately 11–14 mm long, with a spindle shape. They start pale yellow-green and gradually darken to brown. The pupa has small protrusions on the head, thorax, and abdomen, especially on the 5th to 7th abdominal segments. At the end of the abdomen, there are six slender, curled hooks that appear sallow gray. What are its life habits? In China, this species has multiple generations per year, with the number varying by region. For example, northern areas have 2–3 generations, while Shaanxi’s Guanzhong region sees 3–4. In Nanjing, Jiangsu, Hubei, and Jiangxi, up to five generations occur annually. Most of the overwintering occurs in mature larvae, which seek shelter in tree forks, cracks, holes, dead wood, or debris. Adult moths are attracted to black lights and sweet or sour liquids. They feed on nectar and dew during the day and are most active at night. Egg-laying begins in mid-May, with peak activity in early June. Eggs are scattered on fruit surfaces, stems, and leaves. Each female lays one to two batches. Eggs start white, turn bright red the next day, and hatch within four days. The first generation of larvae emerges in mid-June, primarily damaging young fruits. Multiple larvae may be found in a single fruit. The second generation appears in July, with the most severe damage occurring in August when pomegranates are ripe. Third-generation larvae continue to affect late-ripening fruits, and adults remain active until late September. How can we control this pest? Given its wide host range and multiple generations, understanding its life cycle and migration patterns is crucial. Monitoring adult emergence and larval hatching periods allows for timely interventions. Integrated pest management strategies, including cultural, biological, and chemical controls, are essential for effective management. 1. Remove infested sources: After harvest, remove and destroy all fallen fruits and debris. Clear corn stalks, sunflower disks, and other plant residues to reduce overwintering sites. Place traps on trunks from mid-June to catch larvae. 2. Trap and kill adults: Use black lights, sweet-and-sour traps, and pheromone lures from April onward. Introduce chickens into orchards to eat larvae and underground pests. 3. Chemical control: Apply insecticides such as 2% killer pine powder, 90% trichlorfon, or 50% phoxim during key stages. Spray 2000-fold 20% cypermethrin or 2500-fold 20% decancer during flowering. Repeat applications in July and August. Use 2.5% deltamethrin or 50% phoxim in late summer. 4. Bagging protection: Cover fruits from mid-June onward using protective bags. Treat them with insecticide-soaked cotton balls before sealing to prevent infestation. Once bagged, no further spraying is needed. Water Portable Fire Extinguisher Water Portable Fire Extinguisher,Portable Water Fire Extinguisher,6 Litre Portable Water Fire Extinguisher,Red 6 Portable Water Fire Extinguisher JIANGSU NEW FIRE FIGHTING TECHNOLOGY CO.,LTD , https://www.newayfire.com