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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Wapato, Washington » Temperate Tree Fruit and Vegetable Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #119528
Title: USE OF INSECT PATHOGENS FOR CONTROL OF CODLING MOTH AND OTHER LEPIDOPTERAN PESTS OF APPLE IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST OF THE UNITED STATES

Author
item Lacey, Lawrence
item Unruh, Thomas

Submitted to: Western Orchard Pest and Disease Management Conference
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/15/2000
Publication Date: 1/15/2001
Citation: Lacey, L.A., Unruh, T.R. 2001. Use of insect pathogens for control of codling moth and other Lepidopteran pests of apple in the Pacific Northwest of the United States. Western Orchard Pest and Disease Management Conference. p. 47.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Control of insect pests of apple in N. Amer. has been accomplished using conventional chemical pesticides. Codling moth (CM), has been controlled with organophosphate insecticides. Alternative interventions, will require low population densities of the moth in order to be effective. The use of microbial control agents could reduce CM population densities. The combination of MD with the CM granulovirus (CpGV) and entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) offers promise. Overcoming problems associated with UV sensitivity will increase the attractiveness of CpGV to growers. The potential of EPNs for control of prepupal stages of CM has been elucidated by several authors (Kaya et al., 1984; Lacey and Chauvin, 1999; Lacey et al., 2000), but implementation in orchards will depend on keeping nematodes moist for six or more hours after application (Lacey et al. 2000). Bacillus thuringiensis, is regularly used in the Pacific Northwest for control of leafrollers. The residual activity of Bt is relatively short necessitating reapplication. The recent discovery of a granulovirus in P. pyrusana (R. Pfannenstiel, unpub.) and a nucleopolyhedrovirus C. rosaceana will provide additional microbial options for control of these pests.