Early first generation codling moth management options for 2011

First generation codling moth egglaying has begun.

First generation codling moth (CM) adult biofix has been set for most parts of the state. To get the most benefit from a codling moth control measure, growers should treat a block after moth captures have been recorded and the accumulation of growing degree days (GDD) required for a particular action, as indicated in Table 1, has taken place.

Table 1. Codling moth GDD model and insecticide timings for control

DD° Base 50 (Post Biofix) Event Action
Pink bud Development of overwintering larvae Set traps
0 DD° = Biofix (~200 DD° after Jan 1) 1st sustained moth captures  Set DD° = 0
100 DD° 1st generation egg laying (oviposition) Timing for ovicide materials
250 DD° Start of 1st generation egg hatch Timing for larvacide materials
350 DD° 1st generation egg laying & hatch Delayed timing if pest pressure is low, or for 2nd treatment if an ovicide was applied at 100 DD°)
500-650 DD° Peak of 1st generation egg hatch Timing for additional larvacide if monitoring of CM activity indicates a treatment is needed
1000 DD° Expected end of 1st generation activity

Early first generation codling moth control

Although several insecticides have limited ovicidal activity, only Rimon is considered a strong ovicide material, thus codling moth egglaying is the optimal timing for this material. Rimon applied at codling moth biofix plus 100 DD also provides excellent control of obliquebanded leafroller.

Other compounds, like the Altacor and Belt, are known to have ovi-larvicidal activity, which when applied over top of eggs will kill the larvae as they emerge (Table 1). Theses larvacides, however, are optimally used nearer to codling moth egg hatch timing. In some cases, growers may choose to use neonicotinoids, like Calypso, Belay or Assail, at this time to control aphids or plum curculio. Again, although this timing is early for optimal codling moth activity, some level of control can be expected. Similarly for premixes, like Voliam Flexi, Leverage and Tourismo, secondary target pests (Table 2) can be considered for selecting the best pest management tool.

Table 2. Relative activity spectrum of compounds against spring and early summer apple pests
Table 1

Dr. Gut’s and Dr. Wise’s work is funded in part by MSU’s AgBioResearch.

Did you find this article useful?