Entomopathogenic nematodes for biological control of codling moth

Summary in the original language of the document

Entomopathogenic nematodes are often found naturally infecting codling moth larvae. The
effect of an autumn treatment with S. feltiae on the fruit damage in the following summer
was evaluated by treating 4 different apple orchards in October 2004 and 2005 at
application rates of 3.75; 2 and 1.5 billion nematodes in 4000 l / ha. In three of the treated
orchards, one treated with 3.75x109 nematodes/ha the other two treated with 2e9
nematode/ha, reduction in fruit damage was around 50%. In the most heavily infested
orchard, which was treated with 1.5x109 nematode/ha only 33% reduction in fruit damage
was achieved. Compared to previous studies, this was the first assessing the effect on the
fruit damage in the summer following the treatment rather than assessing the mortality of
sentinel larvae fixed to the treated tree trunks.