ARS | Publication request: USING PEAR ESTER TO MONITOR CODLING MOTH IN SEX PHEROMONE-TREATED ORCHARDS

Submitted to: Oregon State University Agricultural Experiment Station
Publication Type: Experiment Station
Publication Acceptance Date: February 15, 2006
Publication Date: February 28, 2006
Citation: Knight, A.L., Hilton, R., Vanbuskirk, P., Light, D.M. 2006. Using pear ester to monitor codling moth in sex pheromone treated orchards. Oregon State University Agricultural Experiment Station. Oregon State University, Extension Service Publication EM 8904, February 2006. 8 p.

Interpretive Summary: Codling moth is the key pest of apples and pears in the Pacific Northwest. Growers use monitoring traps to make informed decisions as to management and control practices. A publication was prepared to provide growers with a set of protocols to use a pear ester lure to monitor codling moth. The advantages of using the pear ester are the ability to track female flight patterns, improved prediction of first egg hatch, and the use of action thresholds based on cumulative moth catches to optimize spray programs. Predicting egg hatch requires that growers enter daily maximum and minimum temperatures and check traps every 3-4 days. Rules for establishing the start of moth activity are provided for both sex pheromone and pear ester-baited traps. Action thresholds for the cumulative catch of moths in these traps are also provided for several time periods in the orchard. Growers are advised to follow local recommendations on an effective spray program if moth catches exceed these thresholds.

Technical Abstract: A synthesis of six years of research on the use of the host plant volatile, ethyl (E, Z)-2,4-decadienoate (pear ester) to monitor codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.), is presented in a concise and grower-friendly bulletin. Growers are advised to implement a strict protocol in monitoring codling moth with pear ester-baited traps, including trap type, trap density and placement, trap checking and lure and trap maintenance. Specific rules are provided to establish the starting date from which they can predict the start of egg hatch based on cumulative daily degree-days. Action thresholds for cumulative moth catches during both generations of codling moth are provided. Information on how to implement this program with both mating disruption and the supplemental use of insecticides is presented.