Integrated uses with particle film technology to manage codling moth, Cydia pomonella L., (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in pome fruits.

Complete dataset published as paper 'Integrated uses with particle film technology to manage codling moth, Cydia pomonella L., (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in pome fruits'. Abstract: Particle films composed of diatomaceous earth (SiO2), kaolinite, or calcium carbonate have not been widely adopted for post-bloom pest management in pome fruits. Concern about visible residues on fresh market fruits has been a major factor limiting summer use. Repeated use of particle films has also been associated with secondary pest outbreaks. Studies were carried out with these three materials for codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.) control in apple, in combination with horticultural mineral oil, microencapsulated pear ester (PEMEC), (2E,4Z)-2,4-decadienoate, and several essential oils. Repeated applications of SiO2 with a surfactant caused outbreaks of woolly apple aphid, Eriosoma lanigerum Hausman. However, the substitution of 1.0% mineral oil for the adjuvant to each spray significantly reduced this secondary pest problem. The addition of PEMEC with SiO2 or kaolinite significantly improved performance, likely due to enhanced neonate wandering across the particle film. Each of the three particle films were effective in reducing oviposition. Essential oils can provide additional control as a topical treatment for eggs and adults but had little residual activity for codling moth eggs or neonates. Coverage, rate, and timing are the key factors influencing the success of these summer programs. Reconsideration and reconfiguration of post-bloom particle film-based programs and seasonal use with processing pome fruit is warranted.