Fecundity and fertility changes in adult codling moth (Lepidoptera : Tortricidae) exposed to surfaces treated with tebufenozide and methoxyfenozide

The effects on the fecundity and fertility of codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.), exposed as adults to surfaces treated with the ecdysone agonists tebufenozide (RH-5992) and methoxyfenozide (RH-2485) were examined. The 1st part of the study consisted of recently emerged moths being exposed to treated surfaces continuously throughout their lives (including mating and oviposition). Continuous exposure to tebufenozide- or methoxyfenozide-treated surfaces significantly reduced the mean number of eggs laid and the percentage of eggs that hatched. The 2nd part of the study involved exposure of recently emerged virgin moths (by sex) to treated surfaces for 24 h, after which, the exposed moths were paired with a nontreated partner to mate and oviposit on nontreated surfaces. In this experiment, significant reductions in mean fecundity and fertility to tebufenozide-treated surfaces occurred only when the female moth was treated (exposed). However, exposure to methoxyfenozide-treated surfaces, regardless of whether only the female or male was treated, significantly reduced moth fecundity and fertility.