Prévention et Solutions Commerciales

The codling moth ( Cydia pomonella ) is one of the most serious pests in apple and pear orchards. Responsible for significant crop losses, it burrows into the fruit, making it unfit for sale or consumption. This comprehensive guide presents symptoms, control strategies, and professional solutions for affected growers.


Life Cycle of the Codling Moth

Parasite identification

  • Adult: Small gray-brown butterfly, active mainly at dusk, measuring about 8 to 10 mm in wingspan.
  • Eggs: Laid individually on fruits or leaves, they measure approximately 1 mm and hatch after about ten days.
  • Larva: Whitish-pink caterpillar, 12 to 15 mm long, which penetrates the fruit to feed.

Main phases of the cycle

  • Spring: Adults emerge after their winter diapause under tree bark or in the soil.
  • Summer: Females lay their eggs on the developing fruit. The larvae hatch, burrow, and feed on the pulp.
  • Autumn: The larvae fall to the ground and pupate in plant debris, where they spend the winter.

Symptoms and Damage Caused by Codling Moth

Visible signs

  • Brownish spots: These appear around the entry points of the larvae into the fruit.
  • Presence of droppings: Fine particles resembling sawdust are found near the galleries.
  • Internal galleries: The larvae bore into the heart of the fruit, causing it to rot.

Impact on production

  • Premature fruit drop: Infested fruits drop before reaching maturity.
  • Significantly reduced yield: Without intervention, losses can reach 80% or even 100% of the harvest.

Prevention Strategies

Prophylactic measures

  • Removal of affected fruit: Systematically remove and destroy fallen or infested fruit to limit proliferation.
  • Cleaning up plots: Remove plant debris from the ground and dead bark that provides shelter for larvae and pupae.

Promoting natural auxiliaries

  • Trichogramma parasitic wasps: These micro-insects parasitize the eggs of the Codling Moth, reducing the hatching rate.
  • Diverse hedges: Maintain varied vegetation to attract natural predators such as birds and beneficial insects.

Orchard developments

  • Insect nets: Install nets like the Alt'Carpo models to prevent moths from laying eggs on fruit.
  • Optimal tree spacing: Improve air circulation to limit conditions favorable to pest development.

Biological Control Methods

  • Granulosis Virus: Spray this pathogen at hatch time to eliminate larvae.
  • Entomopathogenic nematodes: Parasites of dormant larvae in the soil in the fall, they complement other control methods.
  • Mating Disruption: Diffuse pheromones in the orchard to disrupt mating of adult butterflies.

Conventional Fighting

Trapping

  • Pheromone traps: Monitor peaks in adult activity and reduce populations.
  • Mass trapping: Combine this method with other practices to maximize its effectiveness.

Insecticides

  • Selective treatments: Apply products authorized in conventional agriculture at the time of outbreaks.
  • Caution: Avoid excessive applications to preserve beneficial organisms and respect the ecosystem.

Integrated Control of Codling Moth

Combined approach

Combining different strategies is essential to effectively manage codling moth infestations.

Tailor-made planning

  • Winter: Remove debris and dead bark.
  • Spring: Monitor egg laying with traps and apply granulosis virus if necessary.
  • Summer: Use netting, nematodes, and strengthen beneficial populations.

Arboriculture Solutions for Affected Producers

In the event of significant damage caused by the codling moth, orchard renewal is sometimes necessary to restore production. Arboriverse, a specialist in fruit plants, offers solutions tailored to professional growers.

Why choose Arboriverse?

  • Wide range of fruit plants: Professional quality grafted pear trees.
  • Robust rootstocks: Available in bare-root, half-stem or high-stem.
  • Competitive prices: Discounted rates for bulk orders.

Our professional services

  • Personalized technical support.
  • Fast delivery directly to your plot.

Featured Products

  • Certified grafted pear trees: Available in several sizes.
  • Alt'Carpo Nets: Protect your young plants.

FAQ

  • What are the main symptoms of a codling moth infestation? Brownish spots, droppings, tunnels, premature fall.
  • When should you intervene to control the codling moth? Spring and summer are critical periods.
  • Are insect nets effective? Yes, they significantly reduce infestations.
  • Which biological solutions should be favored? Granulosis virus, nematodes, sexual disruption.
  • Does Arboriverse offer suitable plants? Yes, with a wide range of grafted pear trees and rootstocks.