Suppression of codling moth Cydia pomonella L. (Lepidoptera: Tortricidea) populations in South African apple and pear orchards using sterile insect release

Codling moth, Cydia pomonella L. (Lepidoptera: Tortricidea), is the key pest of apples and pears in South Africa. To date the control of codling moth in apple and pear orchards has depended on the application of insecticides and in some cases pheromone mediated mating disruption. Due to the development of resistance to insecticides and restrictions placed on the use of certain insecticides, control of codling moth has become problematic. Sterile insect release (SIR) of codling moth has been investigated as a potential addition to the current control strategy. The cost-benefit of codling moth SIR under local conditions, mass culture methods and initial field trials have been completed. It is envisioned that codling moth SIR will be used in conjunction with insecticide sprays and/or pheromone disruption. A large-scale pilot project is planned for the South Western Cape.