Resistance of horse chestnut tree (variety ‘Mertelík’) to Cameraria ohridella Deschka & Dimić, 1986 (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae)

Abstract

Resistance of horse chestnut Aesculus hippocastanum ‘Mertelík’ to Cameraria ohridella was proven in the trial under semi-field conditions. Seedlings of vulnerable and resistant trees were grown together in rearing cages and were exposed to the strong attack from C. ohridella larvae. Significant differences in leaflet injuries were observed between susceptible and insect-resistant trees. Variety ‘Mertelík’ showed almost none or very small damages compared to high defoliation level in case of standard trees. The results confirmed that this resistant clone could be suitable for use under field conditions.