Oviposition behaviour of ‘Cnephasia’ jactatana Walker (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) on kiwifruit

The oviposition behaviour of ‘Cnephasia’ jactatana Walker, a pest of Hayward kiwifruit, was investigated in the laboratory. Almost 95% of eggs were deposited on the upper side of leaves with the remainder on twigs. No eggs were laid on fruits or flowers. When given a choice, ‘C.’ jactatana laid significantly more eggs on mature than on young leaves of Hayward (green) and laid significantly more and larger egg masses on Hayward than on Hort16A (gold) leaves. Females preferred a smooth to hairy leaf surface for oviposition.