Controlled-Atmosphere Cold Storage as a Quarantine Treatment for Nondiapausing Codling Moth (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) Larvae in Apples

Abstract

Nondiapausing larvae of Cydia pomonella (L.) in immature apples were held in commercial controlled-atmosphere cold storage at 0 ± 0.28°C, 95-100% RH, and atmospheric components of 1.5-2.0% O2, <1% CO2, with the remainder being mainly N2. Based on adult emergence, survival decreased from 73% at 0 wk to 0% after a 13-wk exposure. A large-scale test of infested apples held in controlled-atmosphere cold storage for 13wk resulted in no adult emergence from an estimated 142,021 immature larvae, including an estimated 40,389 fifth instars, the most tolerant stage. No live larvae or pupae were found when infested apples were sampled after treatment. Because codling moth eggs are also susceptible to low temperatures, controlled-atmosphere cold storage for a minimum of 13 wk is a potential quarantine treatment for codling moth eggs and larvae in apples.