Suitability of Lychee Fruits On and Off the Tree for Cryptophlebia spp.

Abstract

Cryptophlebia illepida and C. ombrodelta larval establishment was studied in lychee fruit on and off the tree under field conditions. The proportion of larvae establishing from hatched eggs and the proportion of fruit with at least one larva establishing were significantly higher for C. illepida in fruit detached from the tree compared with fruit on the tree. The trend for C. ombrodelta was toward higher establishment in fruit on the tree compared with fruit detached from the tree but results were not significant. Although lychee is considered a poor host for C. illepida, the threat of introducing this pest in contraband fruit entering the U.S. mainland may be greater than previously thought.