Preventing codling moth infestations in apple orchards
The codling moth, most commonly found in its larval form, tunnels through apples and renders them largely inedible.
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KJCT) -Mesa County is highlighting a pest that could turn your apple pie sour.
The Upper Grand Valley Pest Control District, CSU Tri-River Extension Office and Mesa County are working together to raise awareness of codling moths, which often appear in apple and pear orchards.
The codling moth, most commonly found in its larval form, tunnels through apples and renders them largely inedible.
Then larvae are light pink or white and appear the most during early summer.
“One abandoned orchard or somebody not playing their part affects everybody. I think the larger implication of that is that when you have someone not playing the game, largely that can be homeowners because they just aren’t aware,” said Jeff Pieper, Commercial horticulturist and natural resource specialist with Colorado State University.
“Whether you’re a homeowner or producer, Pieper says it’s important to monitor your fruit by setting a pheromone trap to lure the codling moths. To get rid of a moth infestation, thin your fruit so the fruits are not touching, or bag individual fruit in paper bags, which can draw the codling moth out of the infested fruit.
