Tea stem fly

The tea stem fly (Adrama determinata) belongs to the order Diptera, family Tephritidae. This species is a highly specialized pest posing a significant threat to tea plantations in Southeast Asia, particularly in Indonesia, where it causes substantial economic losses by affecting leaf quality.

The primary host for this pest is the tea plant (Camellia sinensis). Larvae of the pest develop within the young shoots and stems of the plant, disrupting normal sap flow and nutrient transport to the leaves positioned above the site of the infestation.

The biology of the pest is closely linked to the physiological state of the tea bush. Adult females deposit eggs into the tissues of young stems. Upon hatching, the larvae bore through the internal tissues, feeding on the soft stem material. The entire life cycle occurs internally, making early detection and control extremely difficult.

A characteristic symptom of infestation is the wilting and subsequent dieback of shoot tips. Due to larval activity, the stems lose their structural integrity and are prone to breaking under wind stress or during standard agricultural maintenance. This leads to reduced bush vigor and lower yields.

Control strategies involve a comprehensive integrated pest management approach:

• Regular sanitary pruning and destruction of infested stems.
• Monitoring adult populations using yellow sticky traps.
• Maintaining optimal agronomic practices to boost plant resistance.
• Application of selective insecticides during peak flight periods.