Codling moth

Cydia pomonella

Overview:

Cydia pomonella, the Codling Moth, is a key pest in orchards, causing damage to apple and pear fruits. This moth, with a wingspan of about 16-20 mm (0.63-0.79 inches), belongs to the Tortricidae family and is known for its larval stage, which directly impacts fruit quality.

Detailed Appearance:

  1. Adult Moth: The adult Codling Moth has a wingspan of about 16-20 mm (0.63-0.79 inches). The forewings are mottled with gray and copper-brown markings. The hindwings are lighter in color.

  2. Larvae (Caterpillars): The caterpillars are pinkish with a brown head, reaching lengths of up to 15 mm (0.59 inches).

Life Cycle:

The life cycle of Cydia pomonella includes the egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages. Adult moths lay eggs on or near fruit. Larvae hatch and tunnel into the fruit to feed, causing damage. Larvae eventually leave the fruit to pupate, and adult moths emerge to continue the cycle.

Identifying Infested Crops:

  1. Tunnels in Fruit: Look for entry and exit holes on the surface of fruits, often accompanied by the presence of frass (caterpillar excrement).

  2. Stings on Fruits: Larvae create stings or small wounds on the fruit surface during egg-laying, leading to entry points for caterpillars.

  3. Damaged Seeds: When cutting open infested fruits, you may find damaged seeds or frass near the core.

Additional Identification Features:

  1. Flight Patterns: Adult moths are active during the evening and night, and they are attracted to light sources.

Management:

  1. Pheromone Traps: Use pheromone traps to monitor adult Codling Moth populations. This helps in determining the timing of control measures.

  2. Biological Control: Encourage natural enemies such as Trichogramma wasps, which parasitize Codling Moth eggs. Predatory beetles and spiders also contribute to biological control.

  3. Insecticidal Sprays: Apply insecticides labeled for Codling Moth control during specific life stages, especially during egg-laying and larval emergence. Timing is critical for effective control.

  4. Codling Moth-resistant Varieties: Consider planting apple and pear varieties that exhibit resistance or tolerance to Codling Moth damage.

  5. Sanitation: Remove and destroy infested fruits, especially those with visible signs of Codling Moth damage. This helps reduce the population and break the life cycle.

  6. Trunk Banding: Apply sticky bands around tree trunks to capture larvae as they crawl up to pupate.

  7. Biological Insecticides: Use biological insecticides, such as Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), to target Codling Moth larvae. Bt is effective and has minimal impact on beneficial insects.

By incorporating both metric and imperial units, growers can effectively detect and control Codling Moth infestations, preserving the quality of apple and pear crops.

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