Codling Moth
Cydia pomonella
Affected Plants:
Apple, Apricot, Pear, Quince, Mango, GuavaDamage Type:
Depositing eggs on fruitPhysical Characteristics:
Small, grayish moths; larvae are white or pink caterpillars with a brown head.Control Method:
Fenthion, CypermethrinEnvironmental Impact:
High impact on non-target insectsOrganic/Natural Control:
Pheromone traps, handpickingAbout this pest
Codling Moth: The Apple’s Enemy in South African Orchards
The Codling Moth, a seemingly unassuming brown moth, can spell disaster for South African apple and pear growers. These tiny terrors tunnel into fruits, leaving behind a trail of destruction and economic losses. Let’s explore their world to understand the why and how:
Physical Characteristics:
- Adults: Roughly 12-18mm wingspan, mottled grey-brown wings with metallic coppery bands on males.
- Eggs: Flat, disc-shaped, about 1mm wide, initially white and turning reddish before hatching.
- Larvae: White or pink caterpillars with dark brown heads, growing up to 15mm long before pupation.
- Movement: Adults are nocturnal, flying at dusk and dawn. Larvae burrow within fruits.
Common South African Names:
- Appelvrugmot (Afrikaans) – Apple fruit moth
- Peerboomvrugmot (Afrikaans) – Pear fruit moth
- Kodlingmot (Afrikaans) – Codling moth (less common)
Why is the Codling Moth a Pest?
- Fruit borer: Larvae tunnel into apples, pears, and some other fruits, causing internal rot and spoiling the fruit, leading to significant economic losses.
- Multiple generations: Females can lay hundreds of eggs, and several generations can occur in a single season, increasing damage potential.
- Difficult to control: Their nocturnal habits and burrowing behavior make them challenging to target with insecticides.
Combatting the Codling Moth:
Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Combining multiple methods for a sustainable approach.
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- Monitoring: Use pheromone traps to track moth activity and determine timing for control measures.
- Sanitation: Remove fallen and infested fruits to reduce larval survival and egg-laying sites.
Organic controls:
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- Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt): A bacterium targeting caterpillars, safe for other insects and humans.
- Kaolin clay: Sprayed on fruits, creates a physical barrier against egg-laying and larval entry.
Chemical control: Use insecticides registered for codling moth control as a last resort due to environmental and other insect impacts.
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- Mating disruption: Pheromone dispensers confuse males, disrupting mating and reducing egg production.
Remember:
- Early detection and prompt action are crucial to manage codling moth populations effectively.
- Combine natural and organic methods whenever possible for a sustainable approach.
- Seek professional advice from agricultural extension services or pest control specialists for specific recommendations based on your location and orchard practices.
By understanding the codling moth and adopting a comprehensive control strategy, South African apple and pear growers can protect their precious fruits and secure a bountiful harvest.
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