Codling Moth (Cydia pomonella)
Key fruit moth pest causing “maggoty” apples and pears.
Codling moth (Cydia pomonella) is a major pest of apples and pears. Larvae bore into fruit, leaving frass-filled galleries and making fruit unmarketable. Biological control includes Trichogramma egg parasitoids, entomopathogenic nematodes targeting overwintering larvae in bark crevices and soil, and mating disruption via pheromone dispensers. Good sanitation, removal of infested fruit and trunk banding support effective IPM.
Biological Controls for Codling Moth (Cydia pomonella)
The options below are examples of beneficial insects and biological products commonly used against codling moth (cydia pomonella). Always refer to supplier guidance and product labels for crop safety and local registration status.
Information shown for reference only.
Trichogramma spp.
Product: Tricholine (field use)
Environment: outdoor
Temperature Range: 15.0 – 28.0°C
Rate: Not applicable (UK)
Frequency: Not applicable (UK)
Egg parasitoids used as part of codling moth IPM; combine with pheromone monitoring and sanitation.
Orius laevigatus
Product: Oriline
Environment: all
Temperature Range: 18.0 – 35.0°C
Rate: 0.5–2/m²
Frequency: support only; establish early if present
Support-only: incidental egg/early-stage predation possible. Trichogramma and monitoring remain primary tools.
Related Biological Solutions
Growers dealing with codling moth (cydia pomonella) often also monitor these pests as part of a complete IPM programme: