Efficacy and Economics of Codling Moth Control in Organic and Conventional Pome Fruit Production

Abstract

ABSTRACT Use of rotenone and pyrethrum to organically control codling moth (Laspeyresiapomonella (L.)) at different population densities was examined for efficacy and economics. Conventional treatments of azinphosmethyl gave the best control at all population densities. Only when codling moth populations were low could rotenone or pyrethrum provide adequate control. The highest degree of organic control was achieved with a mixture of rotenone and pyrethrum. Economic assessments indicated that the higher costs of organic production could be offset by direct grower retailing to consumers of organic produce. These results suggest that economical organic codling moth control can be achieved in orchards of low and medium codling moth density provided growers take full advantage of premium price opportunities in the organic market.