Economic losses due to insect pests on avocado fruit in the Nelspruit/Hazyview region of South Africa during 1991

Abstract

A survey of insect damage to 61 036 avocado fruits of five cultivars, was conducted at eight packhouses in the Nelspruit/Hazyview region. Stink bugs [incl Nezara viridula (L)], coconut bug [Pseudotheraptus wayi Brown], fruitfly [Pterandrus rosa (Karsch) and Ceratitis capitata (Weidemann)], thrips [Heliothrips haemorrhoidalis Bouche and Selenothrips rubrocinctus (Giard)], and false codling moth [Cryptophlebia leucotreta (Meyrick)] were the most important pests responsible for 84,10% of the damage recorded. The South African avocado industry is losing up to R2,93 million per annum due to insect pests in the Nelspruit/Hazyview region. A comparison between this study and that of the 1990 avocado season, confirms the importance of the above five pests and the seasonal variation in pest attacks between cultivars. Hass showed the greatest overall incidence of insect pest attack. The insect pest-complex was increased with the addition of three new pests recorded as damaging, or present on, avocado fruit