As we approach the end of peak codling moth season, when eggs are laid from June to mid-July, Head of Technical Services for UPL, Don Pendergrast, reminds growers of the benefits of a late application of CpGV:
“Laid as eggs from June to mid-July, once hatched, the caterpillars of codling moths bore into a fruit and feed for around a month until adulthood. Once adult, the insect then leaves the fruit to overwinter in fallen leaves or bark, pupating in the following spring. CpGV (Cydia pomonella Granulovirus) is a natural virus of this orchard pest and is highly pathogenic, killing its host in the same instar as infection.
It works on ingestion by the larvae, multiplying in the intestine and preventing the larvae from feeding. Not only does it destruct the neonate larvae, but also the overwintering larvae. If pheromone traps and crop walking still indicate threshold levels of codling moth larvae, a late application of this bio-insecticide product is potentially very useful (three applications are permitted per year), to ensure late protection of the fruit when conventional insecticides can no longer be used.
As a biological control with no residue association, it is possible to use Carpovirusine up to one day before harvest, thus offering protection right to the end of the growing season. Not only that, but it is environmentally friendly, and suitable for use in wider Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programmes, because it bears no effect on beneficial insects.
CpGV is the active ingredient of Carpovirusine® by UPL (formerly Arysta LifeScience), a product registered for use on apple and pear, including organic farming. It’s a biocontrol product that requires cold temperatures for long term storage.
There are two formulations of CpGV that have been developed by UPL – a first and second generation (EVO2) product, that are used in seasonal rotation as a risk reduction tool. Use of CpGV has become very common in Europe as an effective IPM-friendly bio-insecticide, which can help growers to reduce total residues on fresh fruit.”