Beneficial nematodes against codling moth in organic apple production (BIOFRUITNET Practice Abstract)

Summary

For sustainable, long-term control, regulation can be accomplished via a combined strategy of monitoring, Pheromone confusion, beneficial nematodes, plant hygiene, and the use of granuloviruses.
Practical recommendation
Codling moth larvae are a natural host of S. feltiae nematodes.
Application period:
• Use nematodes (S. feltiae) in orchards with more than 1% active fruit infestation at harvest.
Measure the fruit infestation by screening at least 1000 fruits from the affected plot
• Apply in autumn when larvae are seeking shelter behind the bark, in bark cracks, etc., to overwinter.
Weather conditions:
• Temperatures should be more than 10°C for at least 3-4 hours after application.
• Protect from UV light during application.
• Humidity: trees should be damp at the beginning of the application, with continuous high humidity for at least 12 hours, preferably 24 hours after the application. Rain, drizzle, fog or dew after application increases the effect (use night moisture).
Technique and application rate:
Use nozzles with a width of 0.8 mm diameter and a maximum pressure of 5 bar.
• Recommendation: 1.5 billion nematodes/ha with a minimum of 1000 L of water per hectare.
• The addition of a wetting agent for better distribution across the tree stems is crucial.