Jun 4, 2019

Virosoft CP4 adds label for oriental fruit moth control

BioTEPP, a biotech company, recently received approval from the EPA to add the oriental fruit moth (OFM) to the list of insect pests that can be controlled by its biopesticide, Virosoft CP4.

Agronomist Michel Tremblay, BioTEPP’s VP of marketing, said in a release that “while already highly efficient against the codling moth, Virosoft CP4 is now recognized to be equally effective to fight another harmful insect, the OFM, which can cause significant economic losses for producers of apples, peaches, nectarines and apricots.”

The oriental fruit moth, or Grapholita molesta, is a moth of the tortricidae family. It is native to China, but was introduced to Japan and North America, and is now also found throughout Europe, Asia and South America, Hawaii, Morocco, Mauritius, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. The insect frequently migrates to pome fruit orchards in the late season where it can cause substantial fruit damage before harvest.

BioTEPP said tests run in Washington State show the use of Virosoft CP4 has a significant impact on the number of stings and entries the OFM can cause.

BioTEPP’s Virosoft CP4 is a biological insecticide containing the baculovirus cydia pomonella granulosis. (Strain CpGV-cp4). It specifically targets codling moths and oriental fruit moths, allowing all other beneficial insects to perform their tasks. Used in organic and conventional production, it helps to reduce pest populations and also the use of conventional chemical pesticides and their residues.

Virosoft CP4 can be obtained in the U.S. through Great Lakes IPM,  GROWMARK FS, G.S. Long of Yakima, G.S. Long of Wenatchee and G.S. Long of Oregon.