Detection of Codling Moth in the Orchard
and Packing Detection of Codling MothThe World's Worst Apple Pest
By Peter Davis and Bill Woods, Agriculture Western Australia
Early Season: Codling moth grubs are small (about 2 mm) when they enter the fruitlets from as early as petal fall.
- Symptoms:
A small hole in the skin of the fruit often surrounded by a reddish ring.
A tunnel leads from this hole to the core where the seeds are attacked.
- Detection:
Keep an eye out during summer pruning, training or just walking through the orchard.
Mid Season to late season: Codling moths fly and lay eggs from October to April. Fruit can be damaged throughout this period.
- Symptoms:
A plug of frass (sawdust-like excreta) may project out of the hole in the skin, stalk or calyx. A tunnel filled with frass leads to the core. A grub as big as 2 cm may be present and the seeds are either damaged or missing.
- Detection:
Keep an eye out during summer pruning, training or just walking through the orchard.
| < Detection at picking Damaged fruit may be found during harvest. Damaged fruit tends to drop earlier than other fruit. |
Detection at
grading > |
Detection of adult moths
Male moths are attracted to traps baited with pheromone. The traps are highly sensitive and detect very low codling moth populations.
Prevention of introduction and spread of Codling Moth
The major risk is via equipment (bins, cardboard boxes, vehicles etc) infested with hibernating codling moth grubs and pupae. Infested fruit can also be a source.
Reporting Any suspect findings of damaged fruit, codling moth grubs or moths should be reported immediately to your nearest Agriculture Western Australia office.
Early detection means early eradication with reduced costs to everybody.
To the Pest page of the Entomology Program
Copyright © Chief Executive Officer Agriculture Western Australia 2000