Integrated Management of Cydia pomonella in Pome Fruits: Biology, Monitoring, and Control

Biological Cycle and Phenology of Cydia pomonella

The codling moth (Cydia pomonella), a globally distributed lepidopteran, represents one of the most devastating pests for apple and pear production in the region. Its larvae bore into the fruit, causing significant damage that affects both the quality and quantity of the harvest, leading to considerable economic losses for fruit growers. Effective management of this pest is crucial for the sustainability of fruit farming, requiring an integrated approach that combines various strategies. Addressing the codling moth involves understanding its biology and implementing control methods that minimize environmental impact, prioritizing crop and ecosystem health.

The codling moth’s life cycle comprises four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Adult moths emerge in spring, coinciding with apple and pear flowering, laying their eggs on young leaves and fruits. After hatching, the larvae rapidly penetrate the fruit, where they feed and develop, causing the characteristic damage known as “wormy fruit.” Upon completing larval development, they leave the fruit to pupate in protected locations such as tree bark or the soil, giving rise to new generations. In temperate climates of Argentina, two to four annual generations can develop, underscoring the need for constant monitoring and timely intervention. Understanding the pest’s phenology, i.e., the study of the relationship between biological cycles and climatic factors, is crucial for determining the optimal timing for control measures.

Early detection and accurate quantification of codling moth populations are pillars of integrated pest management. Pheromone traps are essential tools that attract adult males, allowing for the estimation of infestation levels and the determination of flight peaks, which indicate the start of each generation. These traps are installed in orchards before bud break, with a recommended density of one trap per 0.5 to 1 hectare. Weekly recording of captures, along with observation of accumulated temperature (degree-days), facilitates the prediction of oviposition and larval hatching. This early warning system enables the adjustment of control strategies, applying treatments only when the pest reaches economic damage thresholds, thus reducing the frequency and impact of interventions. For more information on monitoring, consult the technical documentation from INTA: https://www.inta.gob.ar/documentos/manejo-de-carpocapsa-en-frutales-de-pepita-en-el-valle-de-rio-negro-y-neuquen.

Population Monitoring Methods and Intervention Thresholds

The management of Cydia pomonella benefits from a multidisciplinary approach combining cultural, physical, biological, and, when strictly necessary, chemical methods.

Cultural and Physical Control

Collecting and destroying fallen fruit and those showing signs of infestation is a fundamental practice to reduce larval populations. Pruning dead branches and cleaning the trunk eliminate potential pupation sites. Placing corrugated cardboard bands around tree trunks, at a height of 20-30 cm, serves as a refuge for larvae descending to pupate; these bands must be periodically removed and burned. In small-scale orchards, individual fruit bagging can offer protection, although it is a labor-intensive technique.

Integration of Cultural and Physical Controls

Biological Control

Promoting natural enemies of the codling moth is a key component of sustainable agriculture. Parasitoids like Trichogramma cacoeciae attack the pest’s eggs, while generalist predators such as true bugs, spiders, and birds contribute to population reduction. The introduction of entomopathogenic nematodes into the soil can be effective against pupating larvae. Installing refuges and diversifying the orchard’s flora attract and sustain these beneficial organisms, strengthening the agroecosystem’s ecological balance. For more on biological control, the FAO offers valuable resources: https://www.fao.org/plant-protection/pest-management/biological-control/es/.

Selective Chemical Control

Application of Biological and Selective Chemical Agents

Insecticides should be considered the last option within IPM, applied selectively and only when pest levels exceed economic damage thresholds. Products with low environmental impact are prioritized, such as insect growth regulators (IGRs) or biopesticides based on Bacillus thuringiensis, which are specific to Lepidoptera and respectful of beneficial fauna. Rotating active ingredients is crucial to prevent the development of resistance in the pest population. It is imperative to follow the dosage recommendations and pre-harvest interval (PHI) established by phytosanitary authorities, such as SENASA in Argentina: https://www.argentina.gob.ar/senasa.

Research and technological development continue to offer new tools for managing Cydia pomonella. The mating disruption technique, which involves the massive release of synthetic pheromones to disorient males and impede mating, has proven highly effective over large areas and is an expanding practice in modern fruit farming. This non-toxic and specific strategy minimizes insecticide use and aligns with the principles of regenerative agriculture. Furthermore, apple and pear varieties with greater intrinsic resistance to codling moth are being investigated, a promising long-term line of work. The implementation of monitoring systems with remote sensors and data analysis using artificial intelligence are also emerging as tools for more precise and efficient decision-making, optimizing treatment and resource application. These advancements, combined with conscious management of orchard biodiversity, mark the path toward more resilient and sustainable fruit farming.

Successful management of the codling moth in apple and pear trees demands a commitment to continuous monitoring and the application of a diversified set of control tactics. Integrating cultural, physical, and biological practices, complemented by the strategic use of innovative tools like mating disruption and, in specific cases, selective pesticides, is key to protecting fruit production. Adopting a proactive and adaptive approach, based on scientific knowledge and the latest trends in sustainable agriculture, will enable fruit growers to maintain crop health and ensure the long-term viability of their harvests, contributing to food security and environmental preservation.