D3108: Utilizing resistant rootstocks for the management of peachtree borer (Synanthedon exitiosa) in peach

Monday, November 11, 2024

9:00 AM – 5:00 PM MST

Location: Phoenix Convention Center, Exhibit Hall 6, PCC

Presenting Author(s)

AS

Adam Schacherer

University of Georgia
Athens, Georgia

Co-Author(s)

Brett R. Blaauw

Associate Professor
University of Georgia
Athens, Georgia
Ted E. Cottrell

Research Entomologist
USDA-ARS
Byron, Georgia
DC

Dario Chavez

University of Georgia
Griffin, Georgia

Peaches, Prunus persica (L.) Batsch, represent a major food crop in the southeastern United States. Peach production in the region is particularly constrained by a wood boring tree pest, the peachtree borer, Synanthedon exitiosa (Say) (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae). The borer larvae feed on the inner bark and cambium of host trees. Infestations may significantly reduce tree vigor, productivity, and may lead to tree death. With the recent ban of the broad-spectrum insecticide chlorpyrifos, peach growers have limited effective management options for borers. While there remain additional insecticides for other pests of peach, there are currently no labeled alternatives for borer pests with comparable effectiveness. Previous research demonstrated that the S. exitiosa prefers to attack peach trees over similar plum trees, and thus grafting peach scions onto plum hybrid rootstocks may impart a natural resistance to peachtree borer. Our proposed research will evaluate the effectiveness of peaches “high-budded” onto a plum hybrid rootstock and a plum x almond hybrid rootstock as a potential management tactic for S. exitiosa. This method will be compared to current standard grafting practices and evaluating borer attack. Additionally, various Prunus rootstock germplasm will be evaluated using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to identify volatile semiochemicals that may serve as attractants to S. exitiosa females for oviposition and to identify properties that vary among Prunus species tested. To determine preference in host selection, mated S. exitiosa females will be subject to choice-tests involving collected volatiles from these Prunus rootstocks in a four-way olfactometer.