Observation on flight course of the oriental fruit moth - Comparison of pheromone traps efficiency in stone fruit

Studies of the flight behaviour of the oriental fruit moth (Cydia molesta) were made at the Obstbau Lehr- und Versuchsbetrieb (Educational and Experimental Station for Fruit Culture) in Karlsruhe-Augustenberg, Germany, in the years 2001-2003. The focuses of attention were the flight course being determined by pheromone traps and the species being identified by genitals preparations. The flight of the oriental fruit moth begins at the end of April to the middle of May and continues until the end of September. The oriental fruit moth has two generations. The larvas of the first generation attack the young shoot, the larvas of the second generation attack the fruit. The first symptoms were recognized in early June. The fruits were infested in the middle of July. The oriental fruit moth's quota in the pheromone traps varies from 7,7% to 50%, average 24,1%. In comparison the plum fruit moth's quota in the pheromone traps varies from 94,7% to 99,3%, average 97,3%. At present time the precise ascertainment of the flight course is only possible by genital preparations. To fight against the oriental fruit moth insecticides are not allowed in Germany, but authorizations ( 18) are in work. Based on our elevations we recommend to control the vermin's population with pheromone traps and the species being identified by genital preparations. The traps have to be applied in southwest Germany in the end of April.