First report of the cherry borer Grapholita packardi (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) attacking hawthorn fruits (Crataegus mexicana) in Veracruz, Mexico

Abstract

Mexican hawthorn Crataegus mexicana (Moc. Sessé) is a Mexican fruit consumed as part of the Mexican culinary traditions. We conducted a study to identify and describe the incidence of a tortricid (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in C. mexicana from two areas where the fruit tree is present on its wild form. From the total of the collected fruits, 10% was visibly damaged during the first year, increasing to 30% the following year. Adult tortricids were monitored and captured using pheromone traps. Identification was carried out using larvae chaetotaxy in the larva and analysis of genitalia in the adults, as well as the amplification and sequencing of the gene 5.8 S rDNA. The presence of the species Grapholita packardi (Zeller) was determined in the fruits. Since there are no sequences of the gene 5.8 S rDNA reported in the GenBank database for this species, this is the first study in providing the amplification and sequence of this molecular marker for this insect. It is important to follow- up the evolution and distribution of G. packardi and the damages it causes. In this work, we suggest that this species should be considered as a potential pest in Mexico.