Pheromone trapping of orchard lepidopterous pests in Central Otago, New Zealand

Abstract

Abstract Pheromone traps were operated weekly throughout the growing season for three key leafroller pests and codling moth at four orchard sites for up to 10 growing seasons in the Alexandra and Clyde districts (Central Otago) of New Zealand. Epiphyas postvittana and Planotortrix octo were the most commonly trapped species. Ctenopseustis obliquana was caught in low numbers at all sites. All three species showed a trough in male flight activity in January between first and second generations. Cydia pomonella occurred at all four sites, exhibiting one generation per year, with flights continuing during the trough in leafroller activity. Prospects for reduced use of insecticides during this period therefore seem better on stonefruit than pipfruit since stonefruit are rarely attacked by codling moth.