May 31, 2018
USU EXTENSION ISSUES WEEKEND CODLING MOTH ADVISORY FOR CACHE COUNTY
Utah State University Extension in Cache County issues a fruit pest advisory for codling
moth this weekend, June 1-3. The codling moth, which affects apples and pears by causing wormy fruit,
is one of Utah’s most troublesome insect pests. It damages fruit by tunneling in to feed on the developing seeds; and since
most backyard growers are not keen on having that extra protein in their fruit, it
is important to know when and how to take action.
USU Extension researchers trap and monitor the codling moth closely in order to understand
its life cycle so they can inform the public about the most effective timing for control. For
this year’s growing season in most areas of Cache Valley, peak egg laying (and the
most critical time to protect fruit) is this weekend. The codling moth emerges when
apples are in full bloom. They then begin mating and laying eggs near the small fruit
about 3 weeks after bloom. Because the insects are cold blooded, their development
is dependent on local temperatures, which vary from year to year. They will typically
produce two to three generations a season.
Control options focus primarily on protecting the fruit throughout the growing season.
A few commonly sold chemicals for codling moth control are horticultural oil (to smother
eggs), malathion, carbaryl and acetamiprid. However, other lower-toxicity/organic
options are also available. For more information, visit:https://tinyurl.com/yaat39gm.
USU Extension provides timely pest advisories to the public throughout the growing
season. To receive the advisories via email, subscribe at: https://pestadvisories.usu.edu/.
Writer: Julene Reese, 435-757-6418, julene.reese@usu.edu
Contact: JayDee Gunnell, 435-752-6263, jaydee.gunnell@usu.edu
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