Courtesy: UC ANR
It’s also that time of year for walnut growers to be monitoring for codling moth and some updates on mating disruption might make the practice a little more feasible for growers.
Some Mating Disruption Becoming Cheaper
Early March is the time for walnut growers to start monitoring for codling moth among other pests. Area Integrated Pest Management Advisor Emily Symmes says mating disruption is proving to be beneficial in many management systems. She says many growers didn’t want to add the high cost of the practice to their expenses, but a recent change to the technology might make it more feasible for growers. Symmes says a decrease in spray rates and longer intervals between sprays is making disruption from the mechanical devices more affordable.
More about codling moth
From the UC IPM Website: Codling moth can be very difficult to manage, especially if the population has been allowed to build up over a season or two. It is much easier to keep moth numbers low from the start than to suppress a well-established population. In trees with low levels, codling moth often can be kept to tolerable levels by using a combination of nonchemical management methods; however, it is important to begin implementing these measures early in the season. Read more from the UC IPM website.