The National Food Safety Agency has warned fruit producers that butterflies of the second generation of oriental fruit moth (Grapholitha molesta) have been detected in orchards of pit fruit. The larvae continue to be fed as a result of the superposition of generations. Thus, prevention and combating measures should be taken beforehand as only the fruit that are not affected by pests can be exported, IPN reports.
The larvae of the oriental fruit moth destroy the buds, leaves and fruit of peach, apricot and plum trees. In parts, the pear, apple, cherry and quince orchards can be also affected. The attacked fruit do not develop and become rotten. In Moldova’s conditions, the pests develop three-four generations a year.
The Agency warns that cultivation and agro-technical measures should be taken, including cutting and burning the attacked twigs, treating the soil to destroy at least a part of the cocoons, and collecting and destroying the attacked fruit. Treatment with insecticide is necessary, taking into account the break required until the harvesting of fruit.
Only the fruit without signs of being affected by pests can be exported to other states. The producers exporting fruit to the CIS member states, including Russia, should be very attentive as the pests in these countries are classed as organisms that cannot be taken in.
