SPATIAL AND TEMPORAL DISTRIBUTIONS OF EGGS AND LARVAE OF THE BANANA SCAB MOTH, NACOLEIA OCTASEMA (MEYRICK) (LEPIDOPTERA: PYRALIDAE), ON THE BANANA PLANT AND THE PROBLEM OF INSECTICIDAL CONTROL

Abstract

The spatial and temporal distributions of the egg and larva of Nacoleia octasema (Meyrick) in relation to the banana bunch were studied in north Queensland. The preferred oviposition site is dependent on the stage of inflorescence development; in early stages of bunching the pseudostem and leaf petioles are preferred whereas later the spade leaf and bracts are preferred. The development of larvae is positively related to the development of the bunch. The difficulty of obtaining insecticidal control is discussed in relation to these distribution patterns. Copyright © 1980, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved