Prospects of Codling Moth Management on Apples with Botanical Antifeedants and Repellents

Abstract

The codling moth, Cydia pomonella L. (Tortricidae), is a major pest of apples, potentially causing annual losses exceeding USD62 billion globally. Growers have limited options for combatting the codling moth. Sprays with azinphos-methyl have been banned in the European Union, Turkey, and the USA. To be effective, Bacillus thuringiensis or Carpocapsa pomonella must be ingested in large quantities, and the fruit is damaged before the larvae die. Mating disruption or an attract-and-kill strategy does not resolve problems caused by the migration of moths from adjacent areas or insecticide resistance. Discouraging neonates from burrowing into the fruit with feeding deterrents or repellents of plant origin may become a new strategy. This paper presents a list of twenty-three plants and six secondary metabolites preventing apple infestation by codling moth neonates. Some of these plant extracts or oils (Alium sativum, Tanacetum vulgare, Atremisia arborescens, Ginkgo biloba) showed deterrence exceeding 95% in comparison to controls. The prospects of codling moth control with botanicals are discussed, and further studies on these substances are suggested. In conclusion, the author states that twenty-nine plant-originated materials have great potential in organic apple protection. Future studies should concentrate on formulating these botanicals and identifying their molecular targets.