7 November 2022

Customer Question – Stop Codling Moth ruining my apples?

Q “I have had considerable trouble with codling moth damaging my apples and pears this year. I have been advised to use your Nemasys F&V next year, can you tell me how much I will need, how often it should be applied and how it is applied to trees?” Many thanks June.

A. Thanks for the message and yes you would use Nemasys Fruit and Veg Protection nematodes to target the larvae that over-winter under the tree by applying once in the autumn i.e. NOW before the soil temperature drops. Codling moth larvae develop inside the apples and feed on the inside of the apple before burrowing its way out to pupate. It then drops to the floor to over-winter in the leaf litter beneath the tree or under loose bark. Applying nematodes to the trunk, branches and soil beneath the tree (treat an area the same size as the canopy of the tree) will target the larval stage. You have to apply before the soil temperature drops, so if you want to apply I would do it sooner rather than later. To find out more / to order Codling Moth Nematodes.

Position Codling Moth Traps to control the moths in the spring i.e. between May and the end of July. By positioning Codling Moth Traps, it stops the moths laying their eggs on or near the developing fruit by catching them in these effective Codling Moth Traps. These simple and easy to use traps contain a pheromone-laced lure, which attracts the male moths and a sticky trap, which catches them before they can fertilise the females, so no eggs are produced. Hang 1 trap per 5 trees and the 2 lures included will be enough for 1 season HOWEVER, in some seasons, moth activity can carry on into August and a 3rd refill may be needed. These traps are designed to be re-usable, so simply insert a new refill each year. These traps are pesticide free and will not harm beneficial insects.

Using this 2 pronged attack to target the moths in the 1st place (by hanging traps) and the larvae in the autumn (by applying nematodes) is normally very effective.

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