Sampling fruit for infestation
Lepidoptera pupa in Dipterocarpus obtusifolius
Once collected, fruit should be sampled at random to determine if insect damage is present. This is done by cutting into the bud or fruit to see inside.
Care must be taken to avoid over or under-estimation of infestation. Photographing or preserving specimens is the most reliable way of assessing the infestation rate.
Reasons for uncertainty:
- Although usually there is one larva per fruit in beetle and moths, numerous individuals may be present or they may move between fruits, depending on the species.
- Trees may selectively abort fruit containing insects leading to over-estimates of infestation in fallen fruit.