CODLING MOTH (LEPIDOPTERA: OLETHREUTIDAE): SUPPRESSION BY MALE REMOVAL WITH SEX PHEROMONE TRAPS IN THREE BRITISH COLUMBIA ORCHARDS

Abstract

Sex pheromone traps to control codling moth by male removal was evaluated in three orchards in the Okanagan Valley. The program was successful in only one of the three orchards. This orchard is completely isolated and codling moth control has been obtained for 5 years. In a second orchard, codling moth populations were reduced by sprays prior to the male removal program. The program was successful in 1977, as the per cent injured fruit was only 0.6. In 1978, the codling moth capture rose sharply and at harvest the per cent injured fruit was 8.0. There was a high infestation in the third orchard when the program was initiated, and in 1976, the per cent injured fruit dropped to 10.4% from 60.0 in 1975. The per cent fruit injured by codling moth rose to 37.4 in 1977 and to 60.2 in 1978 under the male removal program. Our data show that this method of control is effective only under special circumstances, where codling moth populations are low and where isolation precludes reinfestation.