Mating disruption for codling moth control using pheromones
Codling moth (Cydia pomonella) is a major pest in apple, pear, and walnut orchards, capable of destroying up to 70-90% of fruit if uncontrolled[1] [2]. Managing this pest traditionally involves 6-10 insecticide applications per season, which leads to high costs, pesticide resistance, and environmental harm[3] [4]. Pheromone-based mating disruption offers a sustainable alternative that reduces chemical use while effectively controlling pests.
What are pheromones?
Pheromones are chemical substances released by insects that trigger specific behavioural responses in other members of the same species, particularly for mating[5]. For codling moth, the key pheromone is codlemone, a synthetic version of the natural female sex pheromone that attracts males[6].
How does mating disruption work?
The orchard is saturated with synthetic pheromones released from dispensers placed throughout the trees. This confuses male moths, making it impossible for them to locate real females for mating[1][7]
Two action modes:
- Males follow false pheromone trails created by dispensers rather than real females.
- Pheromone saturation masks natural female signals, blocking male detection[8]
Dispenser types
- Hand-applied dispensers (twist-ties, ropes): 300-400 per acre or 750-1,000 per hectare
Implementation guide
When to apply
Install dispensers in early spring (March-April) before the first adult moth flight. Late application compromises effectiveness[3][12].
Where It works
- Minimum effective area: approximately 4 hectares
- Best in square-shaped orchards rather than narrow strips.
- Most effective when neighboring orchards also use mating disruption (area-wide programs)
- Less effective in small, isolated blocks with moth immigration from untreated areas [12][13].
Application details
- Hand-applied dispensers (twist-ties, ropes): approximately 500-1000 dispensers per hectare approximately , based on extension service recommendations and field trials[12][14].
- Aerosol puffers: 5-10 per hectare; programmable for timed pheromone release[14]
Most dispensers release effective pheromone levels for approximately 140 days, covering the entire growing season[3][12]. After this period, pheromone is depleted, necessitating replacement or refill.
While many traditional hand-applied dispensers are single-use, newer systems often feature refillable dispensers. Growers can replace pheromone cartridges within the dispenser unit rather than discarding the entire device. Aerosol puffers similarly use refillable cartridges. This reduces waste and may lower long-term costs. Biodegradable dispensers are also available, which break down naturally in orchards, minimizing waste concerns [7][15].
Waste Management and Recycling
Responsible disposal of used dispensers and cartridges is essential. Many manufacturers and cooperative programs offer recycling initiatives.
In France, the AgriPlastic Recycling initiative organises the collection and recycling of agricultural plastics, including pheromone dispensers, through cooperatives and designated centers. This program helps farmers reduce plastic waste and promotes sustainable disposal practices.
Growers should consult local extension services or suppliers for guidance on disposal or recycling options in their region[16].
Integration with other controls
Combine mating disruption with 2-3 applications of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) targeting larvae for optimal results. In high-pressure orchards, supplemental border sprays may be necessary[17]. Or with traps, trap & Kill strategy[17].
Advantages
For farmers
- Reduces insecticide applications by 40-56%[18][19]
- Compatible with organic certification[4]
- Improves fruit quality: 87-90% achieve premium grade[3]
- Reduces pesticide resistance risk
- Net benefit of €253/hectare vs. €232/hectare for sterile insect technique[15]
For the environment
- Species-specific with minimal non-target effects
- Preserves beneficial insects and pollinators
- Reduces soil and water contamination
- Supports biodiversity [20]
Limitations
- Higher labor required for annual installation
- Small orchards (<4hectares) show poor results
- Requires consistent monitoring to detect outbreaks[3][12][15]
- Initial material costs €90-€180 more per hectare than conventional insecticides (costs equalize after 2-3 years[14]
Products and suppliers
Available products: NoMate®, Isomate®, CIDETRAK® [21][22]
Where to purchase:
- Agricultural supply companies (Gemplers, local distributors)
- Grower cooperatives
Real-World results
Turkey (Kahramanmaraş Province, 2018-2019): Orchards using mating disruption + 2-3 Bt applications showed 8.4-9.1% fruit damage vs. 43.7% in conventional orchards with 6 insecticide applications. Trap catches dropped from 1,136 moths (conventional) to 18-37 moths (mating disruption)[4].
Bulgaria (Pazardzhik Region, 2018-2019): Organic walnut orchards with mating disruption (no insecticides) had lower fruit damage than conventional orchards receiving 9-10 insecticide treatment[13].
Conclusion
Pheromone-based mating disruption offers a sustainable, pesticide-free solution for managing codling moth in apple, pear, and walnut orchards. By confusing males and preventing mating, it significantly lowers pest pressure and reduces insecticide use by up to 50%. This technique is most effective in large, coordinated orchard areas and fits perfectly within Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs. With refillable or biodegradable dispensers and proven field success, it represents a key step toward eco-friendly, high-quality fruit production.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Miller JR, Gut LJ. General principles of attraction and competitive attraction in mating disruption. PLoS One. 2009 Dec 28. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2806766/
- ↑ Benelli G, Lucchi A, Thomson D, Ioriatti C. Sex Pheromone Aerosol Devices for Mating Disruption: Challenges for a Brighter Future. Insects. 2019;10(10):308.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 The Effect of Mating Disruption Pheromone Dispensers on the Control of the Codling Moth in Lake District Apple Orchards. 2023 Oct. http://dergipark.org.tr/tr/doi/10.51532/meyve.1367991
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Atakan E, Canhilal R. Application of the Mating Disruption Technique Against Codling Moth in Kahramanmaraş Province. ANAJAS. 2022. https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/doi/10.7161/omuanajas.1066972
- ↑ Rizvi SAH, George J, Reddy GVP, Zeng X, Guerrero A. Latest Developments in Insect Sex Pheromone Research and Its Application in Agricultural Pest Management. Insects. 2021;12(6):484. https://doi.org/10.3390/insects12060484
- ↑ UC IPM. Codling Moth Management Guidelines. University of California. https://ipm.ucanr.edu/agriculture/walnut/codling-moth/
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Suterra. Mating Disruption - Premium Pheromone Pest Control. 2021. https://www.suterra.com/mating-disruption
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 Steyn DMV, et al. Experimental quantification of mating disruption for false codling moth. Crop Protection. 2024;180:106650. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0261219424001650
- ↑ https://blog.semios.com/pheromones-and-mating-disruption-101
- ↑ https://www.novagrica.com/shop/pheromones/
- ↑ Knight AL. Addition of Pear Ester With Sex Pheromone Enhances Disruption of Mating by Female Codling Moth. Environ Entomol. 2017. https://academic.oup.com/ee/article-lookup/doi/10.1093/ee/nvw168
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 12.4 Murray M, Alston D. Codling Moth Mating Disruption. Utah State University Extension. 2024 Jul. https://extension.usu.edu/planthealth/research/codling-moth-mating-disruption
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 Effect of mating disruption in walnut orchards under organic farming. J Biopestic. 2021 May. https://www.jbiopestic.com/archivesbrief.php?id=125
- ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 Kovanci O.B. Comparison of the costs of mating disruption with traditional insecticide applications for control of codling moth in apple orchards in Turkey. Scientific Papers. Series B, Horticulture. 2017;61:455–459. Available at: https://horticulturejournal.usamv.ro/pdf/2017/Art67.pdf
- ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 Witzgall P, Kirsch P, Cork A. Sex pheromones and their impact on pest management.Journal of Chemical Ecology. 2010;36(1):80–100. doi:10.1007/s10886-009-9737-y. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29352393/
- ↑ ADIVALOR. Agriculteurs, Distributeurs, Industriels pour la VALORisation des déchets agricoles. ADIVALOR – éco-organisme pour la collecte et le recyclage des déchets agricoles. Available at: https://www.adivalor.fr
- ↑ 17.0 17.1 Lacey LA, Unruh TR. Biological control of codling moth (Cydia pomonella, Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) and its role in integrated pest management, with emphasis on entomopathogens. Vedalia. 2005;12(1):33–60. Available at: https://www.ars.usda.gov/ARSUserFiles/20920000/publicationlists/lacey_extra/lacey-unruh-bc-cm.pdf
- ↑ 18.0 18.1 Gut LJ, Stelinski LL, Thomson DR, Miller JR. Quantifying the Benefits of Areawide Pheromone Mating Disruption Programs. Am Entomol. 2011;57(2):94-100. https://academic.oup.com/ae/article-lookup/doi/10.1093/ae/57.2.94
- ↑ Brinza L, Boulay T, Waters SM, Boisvert M. Economic Benefits of Using Sterile Insect Technique and Mating Disruption to Control Codling Moth. J Agric Sci. 2015;7(6):72-80. http://www.ccsenet.org/journal/index.php/jas/article/view/49352
- ↑ A Comprehensive Review of Advances in Semiochemical Exploitation for Insect Pest Management. OpenAccess Journals4Promo. Available at: http://openaccess.journals4promo.com/id/eprint/1554/
- ↑ Gemplers. NoMate® Codling Moth Mating Disruption, 400 count. 2025. https://gemplers.com/products/nomate-codling-moth-mating-disruption-400-count
- ↑ Andermatt Garden. Codling moth trap refill. 2023-2024. https://andermattgarden.co.uk/products/codling-moth-trap-refill
