CODLING MOTH

A, Adult moth (about three and one-half times natural size). B, Twig and fruits showing a, eggs on under side of leaves; b, larva and internal damage; c. "sting"; d. surface breakdown and frass from internal feeding; e, frass-plugged emergence hole. C, Section of bark from trunk or large branch showing f. hibernating larva and g, pupal skin from which adult has emerged. (B and C. about natural size.)

CODLING MOTH

The codling moth, or appleworm, is the dirty-white or pinkish caterpillar or worm that is so often found in apples in all sections of the United States. It causes the worm holes on the sides and blossom ends of apples that lead to the core. The holes are often filled with dark-colored masses, coarse brown or black pellets, which sometimes project out of the hole. The codling moth is also a pest of pears, quinces, English walnuts, and occasionally other fruits. The worms pass the winter in cocoons in crevices under the bark and in other protected places, usually on or beneath the tree. The moths begin to appear about the time apple trees bloom and some moths are present most of the rest of the growing season. The tiny white eggs are usually laid on leaves near fruit or on the fruit. The first worms normally begin to enter the small apples 3 to 4 weeks after the blossom petals have fallen. The number of generations in a season ranges from one (with a small part of a second) in the northern apple-growing areas to three nearly complete generations (and a part of a fourth) in the southernmost producing areas.

Control: Spray the trees thoroughly with 50 percent DDT wettable powder, 2 pounds per 100 gallons of water or 8 level tablespoonfuls per 5 gallons, (a) just after the blossom petals have fallen, (b) 3 weeks later, (c) 3 weeks later, and (d) 5 weeks later. Lead arsenate, 3 pounds per 100 gallons of water or 8 level tablespoonfuls per 5 gallons, plus an equal amount of hydrated lime, may be substituted for DDT but will be less effective. DDT and lead arsenate can be used in combination with most other insecticides and fungicides needed to control other insects and diseases of apples. Spray schedules vary widely according to local conditions; therefore, consult your State experiment station or Extension entomologist for such a schedule for your own locality.

Do not spray fruits with DDT or lead arsenate later than 4 weeks before picking. Scrub or peel sprayed or dusted fruits before eating them.