Economic injury level and economic threshold for Stenoma catenifer (Walsingham) (Lepidoptera: Depressariidae) in ‘Hass’ avocado

Abstract The avocado seed moth is the main quarantine pest of avocado orchards, making phytosanitary management based on accurate economic thresholds necessary. This study determined the Economic Injury Level (EIL) and Economic Threshold (ET) for the avocado seed moth in Hass avocado orchards in the Alto Paranaíba region, MG, Brazil. Control costs were calculated for different application methods (tractor, outsourced, and drone), considering inputs, labor, and depreciation. The relationship between the percentage of bored fruits and productivity was established by linear regression, based on weekly monitoring of 1,000 fruits in 10 plots. An average reduction of 0.2190 t ha −1 was observed for each 1% increase in bored fruits. The EILs ranged from 1.1% to 3.6% and the ETs from 0.9% to 2.9%, influenced by production value and application method. The method of drone application resulted in the lowest thresholds (EIL: 1.1%; ET: 0.9% under high production value), while the tractor application presented the highest ones (EIL: 3.6%; ET: 2.9% under low production value). Field infestation assessments indicated that 90% of the sampled orchards exceeded the highest ET, suggesting economically significant pest pressure across the study area. It is concluded that the EIL for the avocado seed moth is dynamic and relatively low, reflecting the need for early intervention, and that the use of more efficient application technologies, such as drones, favors more conservative and economically sustainable management.