Susceptibility of different dried fruits to infestation by Plodia interpunctella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) in laboratory conditions

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the susceptibility of nine dried fruit species (apple chips, prunes, sour cherries, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, chokeberries, goji berries and figs) to be infested by Plodia interpunctella in laboratory conditions. Six dried fruit species (prune, sour cherry, raspberry, blackberry, strawberry, and chokeberry) were resistant, while dried goji and figs were moderately susceptible. Higher susceptibility was associated with higher content of protein and fat in tested dried fruits, but also with lower content of total and reducing sugars, as well as secondary metabolites, which indicates that these groups of macronutrients potentially enhance its susceptibility.