First report of Phidotricha erigens (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae: Epipaschiinae) injuring mango inflorescences in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is an active mango ( Mangifera indica L.; Anacardiaceae) producer, with an annual market value of $25 million and a production volume of 19 million kilograms. Phidotricha erigens Ragonot (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae: Epipaschiinae) larvae adversely affect the reproductive organs of various fruit trees, but little is known about their specific impact on mango inflorescences. This study was conducted during summer 2024, on a commercial mango farm in Juana Díaz, Puerto Rico, to assess the extent of damage caused by P. erigens on mango inflorescences through a no-choice semi-field experiment. Exposure to adult moths statistically increased infestation levels, contributed to lower flower weights, and fewer pea-stage mangoes per panicle compared to unexposed flowers. A higher number of pedicels significantly predicted greater progeny, with significantly more pupae and fifth instars than first instars found in flowers bearing more pedicels. These findings highlight the potential of this pest to adversely affect mango yields by compromising floral development. Given the year-round vulnerability of mango inflorescences, this study underscores the need for early pest management strategies to mitigate yield losses in mango agriculture, particularly through timely intervention during the flowering stage.