Prévenir et Combattre Ce Ravageur des Vergers de Pommiers

The apple peel moth ( Adoxophyes orana ) is a serious pest for apple trees. Its attacks damage leaves and fruit, reducing the quality and quantity of harvests. Widely present in French orchards, it requires rigorous cultural practices and appropriate interventions to minimize its impacts. Find out how to recognize this threat, understand its biological cycle, and use effective control methods, whether organic or conventional.


Symptoms of a Hair Moth Infestation

The damage caused by the fruit moth varies depending on the stages of its biological cycle:

In Spring (May – First Generation)

  • Rolled and glued leaves: Young caterpillars bind the leaves together with silky threads.
  • Fruit Damage: Bites on young fruit leave visible surface marks.

In Summer (July to September – Second Generation)

  • Extensive bites on fruit: Areas of bites deform the fruit, making it unfit for sale.
  • Reduced photosynthesis: Damaged leaves weaken the tree, compromising its yield.

Affected fruit becomes unsaleable, and uncontrolled infestation can lead to significant losses for growers.


Biological Cycle of the Hair Moth

The hair moth has an annual cycle with two main generations:

  • Overwintering: The caterpillars take refuge in bark or plant debris while waiting for spring.
  • First generation (May): Caterpillars emerge, feed on buds and leaves, then pupate, giving birth to adult butterflies.
  • Second generation (July to September): The moths lay their eggs on fruit and leaves, and the larvae cause the main damage.
  • Preparing for winter: Caterpillars spin their cocoons to hibernate.

This cycle requires increased vigilance and timely intervention to limit the damage.


Means of Prevention

Active Surveillance

  • Pheromone traps: Place traps in spring to detect adult moths and monitor peak flight patterns.
  • Regular observation: Frequently inspect leaves and fruit for early signs of infestation.

Cultural Practices

  • Cleaning up plant debris: Remove dead leaves and fallen fruit, which are shelters for hibernating caterpillars.
  • Tree pruning: Promote good ventilation and light penetration into the foliage to reduce favorable habitats for larvae.

Varietal and Rootstock Choice

  • Resistant varieties: Choose varieties and rootstocks that are less susceptible to pests.
  • Regional adaptation: Consult the technical recommendations adapted to your region.

Biological Control Methods

Sexual Confusion

This method disrupts the mating of male butterflies by diffusing pheromones into the orchard.

  • Recommended product: ISOMATE CLR, with 1000 diffusers/ha.
  • Precautions:
    • Install the diffusers before the first flight of the butterflies (May).
    • Ensure the orchard covers a minimum area of ​​3 to 4 hectares to optimize efficiency.

Biological Insecticide Treatments

  • Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt): Kills caterpillars after ingestion.
  • Granulosis virus: Infects and destroys larvae.

Application: Carry out treatments at the end of the day to avoid product degradation by light.

Natural Struggle

  • Encourage natural predators: Encourage the presence of insectivorous birds and beneficial insects such as lacewings.
  • Use trap strips: Capture larvae seeking shelter in the fall.

Conventional Control of the Skin Tortoise

Chemical Insecticides

  • Effective products: Spinosad, pyrethroids.
  • Precautions:
    • Alternate active ingredients to limit resistance.
    • Respect the recommended doses to preserve the auxiliaries.

Mass Trapping

Set up numerous pheromone traps to capture as many adult moths as possible.

Anti-Insect Nets

Netting effectively protects fruit from moth attacks, although it requires a significant initial investment.


Impact of the Skin Tortoise on Production

  • Fruit Quality: Damaged fruit does not meet commercial standards.
  • Reduced yield: Uncontrolled infestation significantly reduces harvests.
  • Management costs: Integrated pest management methods represent a profitable investment in the long term.

Arboriverse: Your Partner to Relaunch Your Production

Why Choose Arboriverse?

  • Wide Range of Fruit Trees: Half-stem, high-stem, bare-root, potted or cattail apple trees, we have the plants suited to your needs.
  • Professional Quality: All our trees come from specialized nurseries, guaranteeing optimal recovery and high yield.
  • Direct Producer Price: Our competitive rates allow you to offset your losses at a lower cost.
  • Reliable Delivery: Fast and careful delivery, anywhere in France, directly to your farm.

Tailor-made Support

  • Orchard design: Take advantage of our expertise to select varieties suited to your region and your objectives.
  • Personalized advice: We guide you in the maintenance and optimal management of your orchards.

Take advantage of our services

  • Free quote: Response within 48 hours.
  • Dedicated technical support: Solutions tailored to your needs.
  • Decreasing prices: For bulk orders.

FAQs

  • How to detect fruit moth infestations? Watch for curled leaves and bites on fruit in spring and summer.
  • Is mating disruption enough to control the budworm? It is effective on large plots, but can be supplemented by biological treatments in cases of high pressure.
  • Which biological products should be used? Bacillus thuringiensis and granulosis virus are recognized solutions.
  • Are insect nets cost-effective? Yes, by reducing losses in the long term, despite their high initial cost.
  • How to avoid insecticide resistance? Alternate active ingredients and integrate biological methods into your control strategy.

Conclusion

Fighting fruit moths requires an integrated approach combining monitoring, prevention, and tailored solutions. With Arboriverse, benefit from professional-quality fruit plants and personalized services to boost your production. Contact us today to turn your losses into sustainable opportunities.