Oriental fruit moth, scientifically known as Cydia molesta, is a harmful species that damages fruit trees. It causes significant damage to fruits such as pears, apricots, peaches, and cherries. The larvae damage both the fruit and shoots, leading to the drying of shoot tips.
Oriental fruit moth typically becomes active in the spring months. The damage caused by this pest can result in significant economic losses, making its control extremely important. The methods used to combat this pest include cultural, biological, biotechnical, and chemical approaches. These methods help monitor and control the pest population.
Damage Caused by the Oriental Fruit Moth
The oriental fruit moth is particularly known for its damage to fruit trees, especially to products such as apples, pears, peaches, and cherries. The damage is caused by the larvae, which harm both the fruits and shoots.
This moth species is brown in color and approximately 1 cm in size. The larvae are white in color. Female moths are larger than males. Female moths lay their eggs inside the fruit, where the larvae feed.
The nature of the damage caused by this species is as follows:
- Female moths lay their eggs in the fruit.
- The larvae that emerge from the eggs feed on the fleshy parts of the fruit.
- The enzymes secreted by this moth species cause the fruit to rot and decay.
- The damage caused by the moths to the fruit leads to a reduction in production and economic losses.
Due to the damage it causes to fruit production and the economy, effective control of this species is necessary. There are several highly effective methods available for combating this harmful species.
This method is particularly important as it is successful in keeping the population under control. There are steps that must be followed to ensure effectiveness. One of these is the pruning of damaged shoots, which significantly reduces the population.
Additionally, storage cleanliness is also crucial.
This method involves spraying. The timing of the spraying is important for its effectiveness. The first entrance of the larvae into the shoots is the best time for spraying.
In biological control, natural enemies of the pest species are used. For example, parasitic insects are effective in controlling the population.
This method focuses on the use of traps to combat the pest species. One of the most effective traps used is the pheromone trap.
Oriental Fruit Moth Traps
There are several types of traps used in combating this moth species. The most commonly preferred among them is the pheromone trap. Pheromone traps mimic the pheromones released by female insects. This method lures male insects into the trap, where they stick to the plates inside and are then destroyed.
The advantages of using pheromone traps include:
- Significantly reducing chemical use.
- Reducing the use of pesticides, thus protecting the environment and human health.
- Specificity to a single pest species, preventing harm to other beneficial organisms.
- Ease of use and cost-effectiveness.
- Preferred for population monitoring and control.
Other methods used besides pheromone traps include sticky traps, light traps, and food attractant traps.
What are the Points to Consider When Using Pheromone Traps?
One of the most important points to consider when using this type of trap is the regular maintenance and inspection of the traps. This ensures maximum effectiveness from the traps.
Additionally, the pheromone capsules placed inside the trap should also be checked and replaced regularly.
The placement of the traps is also of great importance. The prepared traps should be hung in forested areas, leaving a certain distance between them. The traps should be hung at a height of 1.5 to 2 meters from the ground. For optimal results, it is recommended not to hang the traps in windy areas.
Pheromone traps are particularly effective for monitoring and controlling the population. Their ability to reduce chemical use and protect the environment and human health makes them a preferred method.
This method is particularly favored by producers engaged in organic farming and those fighting against environmental pollution.
For more information about the effects, damage, and control methods of the Oriental fruit moth, you can contact Kapar Organic.