Controlling Oriental fruit moth in peaches using pheromone disruption.

Final Report for FNE00-293

Project Type: Farmer
Funds awarded in 2000: $4,595.00
Projected End Date: 12/31/2002
Matching Non-Federal Funds: $6,070.00
Region: Northeast
State: New York
Project Leader:
Jim Bittner
Singer Farms
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Project Information

Summary:

Note to readers, attached is a completed final report for FNE00-293

The Oriental fruit moth population is increasing on this farm, and this project will explore using pheromone disruption to control peach crop damage. Resistance screening in 1999 showed that about a third of the adult male moths were not affected by organophosphates and carbamates. In the course of the project the level of infestation will be evaluated and compared to a control block. Continued resistance screening is also part of the project design.

Research

Research results and discussion:

Peach production in western New York State has been plagued by Oriental fruit moth. These persistent pests have become resistant to the commonly used sprays. Canadian researchers have reported success by using mating disruption pheromones. Three adjoining farms comprising approximately 80 acres of peaches joined in this test of the new technology.

Mating disruption was successful and spray applications were reduced. The use of pheromone disruption for Oriental fruit moth control will depend on cost, availability of complimentary insecticides, and practicality of use if there are other pests that need to be controlled.

Participation Summary
Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or SARE.