Miscellaneous Codling Moth Studies1

Abstract

Only three per cent of the larvae captured in bands treated with beta-naphthol completed their life cycle and emerged as moths. Field tests and behavior studies indicate that this chemical repels 10 to 20 per cent of the larvae. Alpha-naphthy lamine (Techn.) used in a similar manner gives promise of being as effective as bet3- naphthol. Corrugated strawboard proved the best material for chemical treatment while a combination burlap and kraft paper is more efficient than burlap, crepe, or tar paper. where untreated bands are used. Thickness was found to be an important factor in determining the efficiency of any banding material. Mature larvae are attracted to upright objects and find the tree readily in daylight but only by accident at night. Although able to successfully hibernate in leaves and in sod, larvae will not readily do so if coarse debris is present or if adequate cocooning quarters such as bands are available on the trunk. Small shrubs and bits of dead weed stems in the absence of coarse debris furnished attractive cocooning quarters for larvae. Larvae can live in buried apples for at least seven weeks, and before the soil is too solidly packed can escape through six inches of it.