Use of micro-computed tomography to monitor olive fruit damage caused by three insect pests.

ABSTRACT: A complete three-dimensional reconstruction of the internal damage (oviposition holes, entry and exit galleries, cavities caused by fungal infection) of three destructive pests of olive fruit was obtained using micro-computed tomography. In the case of the olive fruit fly (Bactrocera oleae), complete reconstruction of the galleries was achieved. The galleries were colour-coded according to the size of the internal lumens produced by larval instars. In the case of the olive moth (Prays oleae), we confirmed that the larvae only consume olive stones, leaving pulp tissue intact. This study revealed the evolutionary defensive adaptation developed by larvae, creating entrance/exit gallery in the form of a zigzag with alternating angles to avoid the action of possible parasitoids. In the case of

SUBMITTER: Alba-Tercedor J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11387761 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature