Oviposition preferences of the codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.) for different apple cultivars

Oviposition preferences of the codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.) for different apple cultivars were studied in laboratory bioassays using a series of no-choice tests and multiple-choice tests in 2006 and 2007. In each test, ten apple cultivars (treatments), viz., Arlet, Fuji, Gala, Golden Delicious, Honeycrisp, Pristine, Delicious, Stayman, Sunrise, and York Imperial were evaluated. Each treatment was replicated 10 times in no-choice tests, and eight times in multiple-choice tests. Cylindrical oviposition chambers were used in multiple-choice tests, while transparent plastic cups (1L) were used in no-choice tests. During 2006, in both sets of no-choice experiments, one pair of unmated adults was placed per cup, and deposited eggs were counted after eight days. In multiple-choice tests, seven and six pairs of unmated adults were utilized in the first set (July) and second set (August) of experiments, respectively. Total numbers of eggs were counted after 15 days (July), and 10 days (August). In 2007, two and three pairs of unmated adults were used in both sets of no-choice and multiple-choice tests, respectively, and total numbers of deposited eggs on fruits were counted after 10 days. During the 2006 tests, preferred apple cultivars for codling moth oviposition were Golden Delicious and Fuji, while the least preferred were Arlet, Pristine, Sunrise, and Honeycrisp. Similarly, during the 2007 tests, Golden Delicious, Fuji and Stayman remained the most preferred cultivars, while Arlet, Honeycrisp, Pristine, and Sunrise remained the least preferred cultivars.