Interaction of injuries caused by apple scab

Pest monitoring performed in apple orchards showed a greater infestation of the oriental fruit moth (Grapholita molesta) in fruits from orchards with higher incidence of injuries caused by apple scab (Venturia inaequalis). To validate this observation, it was conducted in laboratory an experiment to investigate the influence of apple scab lesions in fruits on the ability of infestation by G. molesta. Apple fruits (n = 200) of the Gala variety with symptoms of scabies (n = 100) and healthy fruits (n = 100) were used. A first instar larvae was inoculated in each fruit and the evaluation was performed 10 days after infestation, determining the number of larvae that were able to penetrate the fruit. There were significant differences in the penetration capacity of larvae associated with lesions of scabies (87%) when compared with healthy fruits (61%). It is concluded that apple fruit Gala attacked by Venturia inaequalis are more infested by first instar larvae of Grapholita molesta.