Jul 24, 2017

Second generation codling moth, Oriental fruit moth seen

The flight of the second generation codling moth started recently in most orchards located in South-central Pennsylvania. With the extended flight of the first generation codling moth (CM) which lasted until late June and the presence of all sizes of CM larvae still feeding inside the fruit, this second generation flight is expected to continue for a long time.

The status of the Oriental fruit moth (OFM) is somewhat similar, with the third generation OFM egg hatch already forecasted by the developmental model. However, the ability of OFM larvae to develop during the early part of the season on fruit and shoots of peaches and apples, is directly responsible for the current presence of various OFM developmental stages and adults in an orchard at the same time. Early season feeding on various food sources impacts the rate (speed) of OFM development, so at this time of the season, we frequently see overlapping generations and continuous flight of OFM adult moths from overlapping generations. As with the CM, the captures of male moths in sex pheromone traps should be the main indicator to assess the necessity for an OFM management treatment.

If mating disruption products are not used for the management of OFM or CM and usage of insecticides is necessary, applications of Altacor, Delegate, Exirel, Minecto Pro or Voliam Flexi should provide excellent control. The active ingredients in Altacor, Exirel, Minecto and Voliam share the same mode of action, so if any of these products was used for the first CM generation control, only product(s) with a different mode of action should be used against the consecutive generation. If codling moth granulosis virus (as in Madex HP or Cyd-X) is planned for CM control, the first application should start right now and applications should be repeated at intervals no longer than seven days until the end of the CM flight. Madex HP should also provide good control of Oriental fruit moth larvae.

 – Grzegorz (Greg) Krawczyk, Penn State University

Source: Penn State University