CDFA Pest Prevention Plant Regulation Practice Exam

What life stage does the apple maggot primarily affect?

1. Adult stage

2. Larval stage

3. Pupal stage

4. All stages

The correct answer is: Larval stage

The apple maggot primarily affects the larval stage. After the adult female apple maggot fly lays its eggs in the fruit, the larvae hatch and begin to feed on the interior of the apple. This feeding activity is what causes the most significant damage to the fruit, as it can lead to decay and ultimately make the fruit unmarketable. The larval stage is critical for the lifecycle of the apple maggot in terms of damage infliction, as it is during this period that the pests are actively consuming the apple tissue. The adult stage is primarily for reproduction, and while the adult flies can be responsible for laying eggs that lead to infestations, they do not cause direct damage to the apples. The pupal stage is a transitional phase that occurs in the soil and does not interact with the apples directly. Therefore, the larval stage is where the apple maggot has the most impact, aligning with the correct answer.