The Big Sandy Mountaineer -

New Montguide Available on Codling Moth Management for Apple Tree Owners

FFor those who struggling with worms in apples, a new Montguide called Backyard Guide to Codling Moth Management is available from the Chouteau County Extension office. Below are a few paragraphs from the Montguide.

Leaving codling moth-infested fruit and debris in the orchard will lead to increased infestations. Keep leaves raked, remove fallen twigs, pick up dropped fruit, and remove infested fruit from trees throughout the season. Appropriate disposal options for this waste include mowing/shredding, burning, bagging for trash removal, deeply burying, or immersing in soapy water for two to three weeks.

Trunk banding creates shelter on the host tree trunks for cocooning and pupating larvae that can be monitored and destroyed. Banding captures only a small portion of the population and only after Codling Moth (CM) have infested the fruit, so it should be used in combination with other control methods. First, scrape off any loose bark that is on the tree trunks, being careful not to scrape to deeply and damage the cambium layer (the green area just under the bark). Fashion bands of corrugated cardboard or cloth, four to six inches wide, and secure one or more bands tightly around trunks with corrugations or textured side against the trunk. Place the first set by mid-June. Remove, destroy (dispose of as for orchard waste, above), and replace bands in early- to mid-July. Remove and destroy the second set in October.

Overuse of chemical sprays has caused pesticide resistance, devastation of other wildlife, harm to human health, and pollution of water and soils. It is recommended to use them only as a last resort and in combination with cultural controls described above. Codling moth sprays that target either eggs (horticultural oils) or larvae (insecticides) can be purchased from horticultural suppliers online or at a local hardware store or plant nursery. Organic and conventional horticultural oils contain either mineral oil or neem oil, which are relatively nontoxic to humans and other wildlife. Many insecticides (even organic ones) are toxic to bees and other animals, so use with caution and only after petal fall (when apple or pear flower petals have fallen to the ground).Choose insecticides that target caterpillars.

Montana State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Montana Counties Cooperating. MSU Extension is an equal opportunity/affirmative action provider of educational outreach.