Problem Identifier Unit Screen//v.w/ RR Template

Problem Identifier Unit Screen//v.w/ RR Template Codling Moth

Problem
The fruit is blemished by small holes surrounded by dead tissue. A brown, crumbly material resembling sawdust may surround the holes. Brown-headed, pinkish white worms up to 1 inch long may be found in the fruit. The interior of the fruit is often dark and rotted. Affected apples drop prematurely.

Analysis
(Laspeyresia pomonella)

This worm, the larva of a small gray-brown moth, is one of the most serious apple pests in the United States. The moths appear in the spring when the apple trees are blooming. They lay their eggs on the leaves, twigs, and developing fruit. When the eggs hatch, the larvae tunnel into the fruit. They feed for several weeks, then emerge from the fruit, often leaving a mass of dark excrement on the skin and inside the fruit. After pupating in sheltered locations on or around the tree, another generation of moths emerges in midsummer. Apples may be damaged by worms continuously throughout the summer. In the fall, mature larvae spin cocoons in protected places, such as under loose bark or in tree crevices. They spend the winter in these cocoons, emerging as moths in the spring. They may also overwinter on other plants under the trees.

Solution
Once the worms have penetrated the apples, it is impossible to kill them. To protect uninfested apples, spray with an insecticide containing malathion, carbaryl, or diazinon at intervals of 10 days. Remove and destroy all fallen apples, and clean up debris. Next spring, spray fruit right after the petals fall and again 10 days later.

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