The Codling Moth

Control: The Worm In The

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What Are Codling Moths?

The Codling Moth, or Cydia (Laspeyresia) pomonella is an insect that primarily infests apples, pears,

English walnuts and rarely cherries, leaving its excrement called “Frass”.

Codling Moths have an extensive distribution all over the world. These

pests can be found mostly in Northern America, Europe, and Southern Russia.

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Life Cycle of Codling Moths

The Codling Moth develops through four stages: eggs, larva, pupa and adult

moth. The full-grown larva develops into an adult moth during the winter

inside a silken cocoon, pupating on tree trunks under the bark, in the soil or on

debris under the tree.

The rate of development of the larva inside the cocoon proceeds more

rapidly during warmer weather and climates.

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Life Cycle of Codling Moths

Mating of Codling Moths transpire a few days after the emergence of the

full-grown insect from the cocoon, which follows impregnation and the

laying of eggs.

The tendency of laying eggs increases as the temperature increases above

620F during the night

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Identification of Codling Moths

A full-grown adult Codling Moth measures about ½ to ¾ inch long with

spotted gray wings with brown tips, which shroud its body. The larvae are

white to light pink colour caterpillar-like “worms” with dark

brown heads.

The instar larva is 1/10 inches while a full-grown larva is ½ to ¾ inches. The

larval stage is followed by the pupating stage, where the larva creates a cocoon

and pupates through winter.

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Controlling Codling Moths

If left unmanaged, Codling Moth larvae can cause extensive damage, often

infesting 20%-90% of the fruit. The extension of the damage is often

dependent on variety and location of the trees.

Codling Moths can be difficult to control if the population has been

allowed to build up over one or two seasons. It seems more pragmatic to

manage a smaller Codling Moth population than suppressing a dense

population.

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Controlling Codling Moths

Cultural control of Codling Moths include the removal and destruction of

infested trees and fruits.

The bagging method has proven effective to be used alone for higher

population, although it could be regarded as time-consuming.

 This method should be implemented when the fruit is about ½ to 1 inch in

diameter.

Cultural Control For Codling Moths

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Controlling Codling Moths

Releasing of the tiny wasp Trichogramma platneri implemen

ted with mating disruption or soft pesticides could be used to manage

Codling Moths as a Biological Control.

Cultural Control For Codling Moths

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Controlling Codling Moths

Conventional insecticides to control Codling Moths include products such

as Cabaryl, Imidan, Sevin, Permethrin, and Malathion.

Moreover, Horticulture mineral oil, organic materials such as Spinosad,

Entrust, and products such as Intrepid (methoxyfenozide) and Esteem

(pyriproxifen) with low toxicity could be used in lieu of or along with strong

toxins.

Insecticides

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Controlling Codling Moths

These insecticides are available at stores and online. However, it is

precautionary to research and consult a pest control professional before

usage of these chemical-based products.

Insecticides

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Further Information

Pest and Disease Control in Apple Trees

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