Abstract

Microencapsulated (MEC) formulations for mating disruption (MD) for codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.), were developed to cover the entire crop canopy using air blast sprayers, saving growers $$ from the increasing labor costs applying dispensers. Treating orchards with MEC sprays only when pest densities exceed thresholds provide growers greater flexibility than dispensers. However, early research suggested that MECs did not disrupt male catch as well as dispensers and were less effective under higher pest pressures. The development of low volume MEC applications proved this was incorrect. A new MEC formulation with much smaller microcapsules was registered in 2019 and provides greater rainfastness and longevity. Dissections of female codling moths shows the new MEC performs as well or better than hand-applied dispensers. Combined MEC + dispenser programs further improved the effectiveness of codling moth MD.