PEST

NAME
Codling Moth
Cydia pomonella

ORDER
Lepidoptera

FAMILY
Tortricidae

Description of the Pest
This insect has a complete metamorphosis: egg - larva - pupa - adult. The 10mm long adult moth has 4 brown, patterned wings with a metallic sheen, up to 20mm across. Eggs are deposited singly, on or close to the fruit of susceptible species. The larvae hatch within one to two weeks and are pinkish-white, with brown heads. They tunnel into the fruit normally form the top or bottom.



The larvae are cannibalistic and consequently there is usually only one mature caterpillar found in each fruit. Larvae leave the fruit after three to five weeks to pupate on the branches or the trunk of the tree spinning a cocoon. Three generations may be produced in a single season in warm areas, but the lava may remain dormant for up to two years.

The adults are most active during dusk and shelter in the foliage during the day. They mate when the temperature is around 15şC and the female deposits eggs within 50m of her cocoon. The males may travel up to 200m to find a mate.
This insect has a Holometabolouslife cycle, ie. When metamorphosisis observed during the pupalstage.

Appearance of the Pest
Early damage is superficial and may go unnoticed, until the caterpillar enlarges the entrance as it grows and begins to move into the centre of the fruit. The tunnel encourages brown rot, appearing around the roughly circular entrance as dark tissue; the sawdust-like excreta (frass) pushed out buy the caterpillar is usually also present.

Period of Activity
Warmer months of the year - spring to autumn - when the evening temperatures are above about 15°C. This insect is widespread, except in Western Australia.

Susceptible Plants
Apple and pear species. Crab apple and some ornamentals may be attacked and, rarely, some stone-fruit.

Damage Caused
Dark holes appear in the skin of the fruit, which may fall prematurely. Larvae feed for 3-5 weeks, often on more than one fruit. The larvae chew an exit tunnel on maturity, to seek a protected position on or near the host plant to build a cocoon. This insect is a serious pest in many fruit-producing areas; there may be compulsory control legislation in such areas. Likewise, it may be prohibited to bring fruit of host species into these areas.



Cultural Control
This pest must be controlled before it enters the fruit and affected fruit including fallen fruit must be removed and destroyed. Damaged fruit may be feed to stock or placed into a bucket of water, never compost affected fruit, as the lava will emerge. Removing loose or broken bark, or fallen branches, on which the insect pupates, this may interrupt the life cycle of the insect. For the same reason, timber fences should not be erected closed to fruit trees as the lava pupates on such structures.
The lava may also be trapped as they travel down the branches or trunk by attaching loose bark or other materials such as cardboard or carpet underlay that has been soaked in sump oil. Inspect traps regularly during the most active period from winter to spring.
Storage areas such as sheds or larders should be checked during winter for cocoons and the lava may reside in stored apples.
Small trees may be covered in a moth proof net, this is primarily suitable for dwarf species.

BiologicalControl
There are many natural predators such as birds, spiders and bats. Ants and some species of earwigs attack pupating lava. Parasitic wasps and beetles also attack lava and can reduce up to 30% of the population.

Chemical Control
Avoid chemical control if possible as it also kills many predators.
Chemical treatment with carbaryl is usually indicated, sprayed at intervals, according to local legislation or requirements.
Note
Always read the label for registration details and direction of use prior to application of any chemicals.