Seasonal variation and infestation incidence by Marmara gulosa (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) on grapefruit in the Coachella Valley, California.

ABSTRACT

The population dynamics of citrus peelminer, Marmara gulosa Guillén and Davis, were investigated in 1996-1999 in commercial grapefruit groves in the Coachella Valley, CA. The first generation of the peelminer on new fruit was observed in early June 1998; larval densities of peelminer increased at the beginning of summer and peaked in late July to early August in most years, then decreased, remaining low by the end of the summer and rest of the year. Three parasitoids were identified, with Cirrospilus coachellae Gates in highest numbers in all groves and years. Numbers of larvae parasitized by C. coachellae increased by midsummer in most groves, coinciding with the decline in densities of the citrus peelminer. Miners continued to develop on fruit left from previous harvest in June. Miners preferred the lower half canopy of the trees. Parasitism and availability of fruit for development are major components in the dynamics of the citrus peelminer.