Measures to control codling moth (Cydia pomonella) in organic pear production (BIOFRUITNET Practice Abstract)

Summary

Using a decision support system in combination with appropriate control measures will diminish damage and reduce population build-up.
Practical recommendations
Susceptibility of pears
• Research shows that penetration of the larvae in young Conference pears doesn’t succeed in the first weeks of the egg-laying period. This is also known for Bartlett pears.
• Later in the summer Conference pears are much more sensitive to codling moths in comparison to the apple variety Elstar. In Northern Italy, Abate Fetel is the more sensitive cultivar.
• The young larvae have greater success later in the summer; this is associated with a decrease in both petrification and fruit hardiness.
• The change from little-susceptible to susceptible varies from year to year and depends on the start of the codling moth flight and the development and hardiness of the pears. Early flowering is the first indication of early fruit susceptibility. Susceptibility of the pears can start at the beginning of August, but also in July already.