Passion
vine bug in rare fruit
David Astridge and Harry Fay
Adult passionvine bug (Leptoglossus australis)
Description
Adult
This elongated bug is 18 mm long and 6 mm wide, and is dull black with a transverse red band behind the head and several red spots on the underside of the body. The tibia of the hind legs are swollen and flat.
Immature stages
The eggs are laid in chains of 16-17. They are brownish in colour, cylindrical in shape and 1.5 mm long. Nymphs are similar in shape to the adults but without wings. They are reddish in colour in the early stages. There are some black spines on the head and thorax.
Life history
The eggs are laid on vines, frequently along the tendrils. They hatch in six to seven days. The nymphs cluster soon after emergence then move onto the tender parts of the plant to feed. The total nymphal period is around 50 days, but may vary with the host being fed on. Adults can live for several weeks.
Distribution
This pest is found in Queensland and on the far north coast of New South Wales.
Host range
It feeds on many plants; these include granadilla, passionfruit, cashew, pomegranate, citrus and cucurbits such as cucumbers and melons.
Management
Importance
Minor and frequent.
Damage
Passion vine bug causes damage to granadilla. The adults and nymphs suck the fruit, producing sunken spots making it unmarketable. This insect usually feeds on flowers or green-mature fruit. The nymphs often cluster on fruit when feeding. Young fruit develop dimple-like surface blemishes at the feeding sites.
Action level
At monthly intervals, examine 50 random vines per ha by visually scanning 20 fruit per vine. Spray if 50 or more vines have freshly damaged fruit.
Control methods
Chemical
Nil.
Recommended chemicals
No registrations Note: This information was correct at the time of publication. However, it is the user's responsibility to ensure that registered agricultural chemicals are used in accordance with legal requirements. (See Further information). Always read the label.
Further information
- Contact the DPI&F Business Information Centre on 13 25 23 - local call 8 am to 6 pm
Monday to Friday (non-Queensland residents phone 07 3404 6999). E-mail: callweb@dpi.qld.gov.au
- Contact the DPI&F bookshop on 07 3239 3772 or DPI&F Shop-online or at some DPI&F offices throughout Queensland for the DPI publications
- Infopest CD-ROM contains current national information on registered agricultural
chemicals and is available from Infopest, DPI&F, GPO Box 46, Brisbane Qld 4001
or by email from infopest@dpi.qld.gov.au
Recommended reading:
Hely, P.C., Pasfield, G. and Gellatley, J.G. 1982, Insect pests of fruit and vegetables in New South Wales Inkata Press, Sydney.
Swaine, G., Ironside, D.A. and Corcoran, R.J. 1991, Insect pests of fruit and vegetables , 2nd Edition, Queensland Department Primary Industries, Information Series QI91018.
Other contacts:
Growcom on 07 3620 3844
Growers interested in the production of minor tropical fruits can join their local branch of the Rare Fruits Council and subscribe to their newsletter. Contact the Rare Fruits Council at PO Box 1375 Aitkenvale 4814
The DPI&F library provides a personalised information search service that may be useful for producers seeking information on minor and exotic crops
DPI&F InfoResearch on 07 3239 6989.
Information contained in this publication is provided as general advice only. For application to specific circumstances, professional advice should be sought. The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, Queensland has taken all reasonable steps to ensure the information in this publication is accurate at the time of publication. Readers should ensure that they make appropriate inquiries to determine whether new information is available on the particular subject matter.
Last updated 19 December 2005
