New techniques for outwitting insect pests in tree fruit orchards
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EmailDisrupting the sex life of a pest is just as satisfying as killing it
Pheromone-based mating disruption is an effective means of managing many tree fruit pests, including codling moth, Oriental fruit moth, leafrollers
and peach tree borers
Novel technologies have been developed to reduce costs
A single application provides season-long control The technique does not affect beneficials
All peach growers should rely on mating disruption as the principal management option for Oriental fruit moth
Disrupting the sex life of a pest is just as satisfying as killing it
Weekly releases of sterile moths have reduced codling moth populations by over 90% in British Colombia apple orchards
On-going research aims to make the technique available to Michigan apple growers
Knowing how many sterile moths to release is critical UAV’s or drones are an intriguing option for releasing sterile moths
New trapping systems help tree fruit growers track pest activity
“Ghost” traps that rely on insecticide treated netting to kill attracted insects are a new tool for monitoring brown marmorated stink bug
Commercially available lures attract spotted wing drosophila as well or better than liquid baits
Moth captures in pheromone traps coupled with degree day models are a highly effective means of timing control treatments
Good management practices require proper trap placement and maintenance.
Placing pheromone traps at trunk-window-height on the edge of an orchard is ineffective