Identification and distribution of leafrollers (Lepidoptera, Tortricidae) associated with berries (Rosaceae) cultivated in Mexico

Berries are agricultural products of great economic interest for Mexico, and their production has increased in recent years; however, crops are affected by tortricid leafrollers. From August 2019 to April 2021 in Michoacan and Guanajuato, Mexico, a study was conducted to determine the species of tortricids associ- ated with blackberries (Rubus spp. L.), raspberries (Rubus idaeus L.) and strawberries (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.), as well as their altitudinal distribution. In 12 orchards located in these states, shoots, leaves and flowers infested by larvae were collected. The species were identified by male genitalia and were deter- mined taxonomically as Amorbia cuneana (Walsingham, 1879), Argyrotaenia montezumae (Walsingham, 1914) and Platynota sp. Walker, 1859, found at elevations from 1290 to 2372 m. The most abundant species were A. cuneana and A. montezumae. Generally, these tortricids prefer to feed on tender vegeta- tive parts of the plant, but the economic impact they have is not known. It is worth mentioning that the number of species found is lower than those reported in other countries, but it is necessary to broaden the study area to other berry-producing regions to determine whether their distribution is wider.

Automated summary

Berries are economically important agricultural products in Mexico, and their production has been increasing. However, tortricid leafrollers have been affecting berry crops. A study conducted in Michoacan and Guanajuato, Mexico, identified the species of tortricids associated with blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries, as well as their altitudinal distribution. The study found two commonly occurring species of tortricids, namely Amorbia cuneana and Argyrotaenia montezumae, at elevations ranging from 1290 to 2372 m. Further research is needed to determine the distribution of tortricids in other berry-producing regions.