Which orchard fruit pest attacks most orchard fruits but prefers peaches?

Which orchard fruit pest attacks most orchard fruits but prefers peaches?

• A. Plum curculio
• B. Codling moth
• C. Oriental fruit moth
• D. Gypsy moth

Answer: (C)

Oriental fruit moth stands out because it attacks a broad range of orchard fruits—peaches, nectarines, apricots, plums, and sometimes apples—yet its damage is most pronounced on peaches. The larvae bore into the fruit, causing internal damage that can ruin yields, which is a hallmark of this pest on peach trees. That combination of wide host range with a strong preference for peaches explains why it’s the best fit for a pest that attacks many orchard fruits but favors peaches. The other insects don’t match that pattern: plum curculio is a major stone-fruit and some pome fruit pest but isn’t noted for a peach preference; codling moth is primarily an apple/pear pest; gypsy moth is mainly a defoliator rather than a fruit-damaging pest.

Oriental fruit moth stands out because it attacks a broad range of orchard fruits—peaches, nectarines, apricots, plums, and sometimes apples—yet its damage is most pronounced on peaches. The larvae bore into the fruit, causing internal damage that can ruin yields, which is a hallmark of this pest on peach trees. That combination of wide host range with a strong preference for peaches explains why it’s the best fit for a pest that attacks many orchard fruits but favors peaches. The other insects don’t match that pattern: plum curculio is a major stone-fruit and some pome fruit pest but isn’t noted for a peach preference; codling moth is primarily an apple/pear pest; gypsy moth is mainly a defoliator rather than a fruit-damaging pest.