Codling Moth

Hosts

Apple, pear

Biology

Overwinter as diapausing larvae, and pupate in spring.  Adult female moths lay eggs on and near apple/pear fruit and larvae tunnel within fruit and feed on the seeds.  Two-three generations/season. 

Symptoms/Damage

Frass at entry/exit hole; tunneling in fruit fresh around seeds; early fruit drop.

Monitoring

• Non-mating disruption:  Follow USU Extension biofix model to predict timing of first egg hatch, or hang pheromone trap with standard (1x) codling moth lure at first pink or 100 degree days after March 1 to record date of first moth flight (called biofix, when first moth has been caught). Continue to monitor trap in orchard and determine weekly moth count to monitor population throughout the season.
• Mating disruption:  Follow USU Extension biofix model, or hang pheromone trap with CM-DA Combo lure at first pink or 100 degree days after March 1 in backyard tree or non-mating disrupted area close to orchard to determine biofix date.  Continue checking trap weekly and treat when threshold is reached.

Treatment Threshold

• Non-mating disruption:  no threshold; usually treatment is needed throughout the season to protect fruit.
• Mating disruption:  treat when 10 total moths, or 1 female moth, have been trapped using the CM-DA Combo lure. Restart threshold for each generation and after an insecticide treatment.

Degree Day Model

• Lower threshold:  50°F
• Upper threshold:  88°F
• Biofix:  first trap catch

Event	Degree Days
First Generation
1% egg hatch	220
period of greatest egg hatch	340-640
100% egg hatch	920
Second Generation
1% egg hatch	1100
period of greatest egg hatch	1320-1720
100% egg hatch	2100
Third Generation
1% egg hatch	2160

Management Considerations

Proper timing of insecticides is important.  Utah offers spray timing dates, Colorado offers fruit information, and Idaho offers the Pacific Northwest Pest Alert Network. 

Maintain proper sanitation by removing apple bins and removing/mowing fallen fruit.