Evaluation of an active mating disruption concept against codling moth (Cydia pomonella) under the aspects of different application systems and varieties

Summary

Beside standard systems of mating disruption the activity of the product Exosex CM and
Exosex 2 CM under the aspect of different application systems and several varieties were
tested at the research station of the Federal College and Institute for Viticulture and
Pomology Klosterneuburg. Male insects were attracted into the Exosex dispenser by using
the appropriate pheromone, which acts on the pheromone receptive sensors on the male
so that they cannot locate calling females. Standard mating disruption techniques usually
rely on the introduction of amounts of pheromone emitted by natural populations of pest
species into the atmosphere. Exosex CM significantly reduces deployment time and labour
costs in the orchards, additionally the flexibility to fit in with IPM programmes was tested.
The assessments were done visually on windfall fruits, fruits on the tree and on all fruits at
harvest followed by statistical evaluation. Among the fruits sprayed with the IPM system
there was an infestation rate of the first (Cydia pomonella) generation at the variety Idared
of 0,8%, the second generation treated with Exosex showed an infestation of 13%. In the
biological trial however the infestation by the first generation was about 4% and the
infestation of the second generation about 31%.