Source: NCSU COOPERATIVE EXTENSION, 6/9/20


Codling Moth
At lower elevations, less than about 1200 ft, cumulative codling moth degree days (DD) now exceed 1000, indicating that the first generation is complete. Insecticides targeting codling moth are probably unnecessary until at least 1400 DD; the exception being in those orchards with high populations that are still capturing more than 5 moths per week in pheromone traps.

In Henderson County (2100 ft), codling moth degree-day accumulations are at about 560 DD, so this pest should still be considered a potential threat in this area. If pheromone trapping is not being conducted, it would be wise to assume a potentially damaging population exists in an orchard. Populations have been low this season, and it has been possible for many to minimize insecticide applications when using pheromone traps to verify low populations.

In orchards using mating disruption for codling moth and where insecticides for lepidopteran pests have probably not been necessary thus far, note that is now time for control of tufted apple bud moth (below), since codling moth/OFM mating disruption does not control TABM.

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