Abstract:

The Lepidoptera:Geometridae adults are mostly medium-sized moths, and their larvae are called "inchworms". Geometridae pests are one of the most destructive defoliators on litchi (Litchi chinensis) and longan (Dimocarpus longan). There were 10 species of Geometridae pests that have been reported on litchi and longan inChinato data, and 8 common species including Thalassodes immissaria, Ascotis selenaria, Hyposidra talaca, Biston (Buzura) suppressaria, Perixera illepidaria, Thalassodes quadraria, Berta chrysolineata hainanensis and Sauris interruptaria inGuangdongprovince were reported. Up to now, the researches of Geometridae pests of litchi and longan have been only reported in 15 literatures, among them the number of reports of T. immissaria were the highest (7). However, other Geometridae pests damaging on litchi and longan, such as B. chrysolineata hainanensis and S. interruptaria have no research reports. In this article, we reviewed the research progress of five dominant Geometridae species, including T. immissaria, A. selenaria, H. talaca, Pelagodes proquadraria and B. (Buzura) suppressaria. Moreover, we introduced the research status and integrated pest control technologies regarding agricultural, physical, biological and chemical control measures for Geometridae pests of litchi and longan in detail. The biological control technology of Geometridae pests focuses on the protection and utilization of natural enemies, as well as the development and application of biogenic pesticides and insect sex pheromones. So far, the effective components of sex pheromones from 4 species including T. immissaria, A. selenaria, Chiasmia cinerearia and B. (Buzura) suppressaria have been identified successfully. However, application of chemical insecticides is the main control technology for Geometridae pests. There are no registered insecticides for control of Geometridae pests on lychee and longan, posing a great challenge for agriculturalist to guide the use of insecticides. This review will help researchers to be informed of the research status of Geometridae pests, and provides references and inspirations for the development and application of control techniques for Geometridae pests.

Key words:  Geometridae, litchi, longan, control techniques, research progress