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IPM Scouting in Michigan Apples

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Codling moth - Cydia pomonella
IPM scouting in Michigan apples > codling moth
There are typically two generations of codling moth (CM) per year in Michigan, with a partial third generation in exceedingly warm years.
Deep fruit entry with frass extruding Codling moth sting Fruit injury caused by CM is of two types. A deep entry is where the larva enters into the center of the fruit and feeds on seeds. (See page 7 for a comparison with Oriental fruit moth.) Brown frass can usually be seen ex-truding from the entry hole. A sting is a shallow entry where the larva does some feeding but does not gain entry into the fruit.
Deep fruit entry with frass extruding on left, CM sting on the right.
Adult moth Mature larva Newly hatched larvae
Adults are about 9 mm in length, with alternating bands of gray and white, and a patch of bronze scales at wing tips. The mature larva is about 15 mm in length and is creamy white tinged with pink Newly hatched larvae are white with black head capsules and are about 2 mm long.
Suggested monitoring: Use of one trap for every 2 to 2.5 acres is optimal; 1 trap per 5-8 acres is acceptable in large, uniform blocks. Use high load (10X) lures in mating disruption block traps; use standard (1X) in non-mating disruption block traps. If using red septa lures, replace them every 3 weeks first generation; every 2 weeks second generation. Other lure types are available. Some will last for an entire generation. Check with manufacturers to determine replacement intervals. Fruit should always be visually inspected in conjunction with trapping. Concentrate visual inspections in the upper canopy and along orchard borders.
Example of determining codling moth cumulative trap catch

Example of determining codling moth cumulative trap catch
Suggested thresholds: A cumulative catch of 3-5 codling moths in any one trap over time may indicate the need for a spray (see table with explanation below). Do not total captures from more than one trap to attain the threshold. When traps are first placed in the orchard, they should be checked twice weekly. First sustained moth capture is the date at which the first moth is trapped, provided moths are captured on two successive trapping dates.

If using a low rate of mating disruption (<275 dispensers/acre), plan on first cover at 250 GDD past biofix.

Codling moth action threshholds

Codling Moth Action Threshholds
View current Michigan growing degree day accumulations at Enviro-weather. Select a weather station from the map that is closest to your location. Then click on "fruit" for a list of weather resources and models for fruit production.
Comparison of codling moth and Oriental fruit moth
Codling moth and Oriental fruit moth larvae cause similar types of fruit damage. Both will enter fruit from either the calyx end or from the side of the apple. Find more information about the Oriental fruit moth.
Apple CM feeds in the center of the fruit on flesh and seeds. OFM generally feeds on flesh away from the center, but can occasionally feed at the center as well.
   
Larvae Mature larvae of OFM can be differentiated from CM larvae by the presence of an anal comb located ventrally at the posterior end of a larva. The comb can be seen with a hand lens.
Additional information
This information was developed from A Pocket Guide for IPM Scouting in Michigan Apples by David Epstein, Larry J. Gut and George W. Sundin. Purchase this in a pocket-sized guide for reference in the orchard from MSU Extension (publication E-2720).
The MSU IPM Program maintains this site as an access point to pest management information at MSU. The IPM Program is administered within the Department of Entomology, fueled by research from the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station, delivered to citizens through MSU Extension, and proud to be a part of Project GREEEN.
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Updated 7/23/07