Performance of selected pheromone reservoir systems for mating disruption of codling moth in the eastern commercial apple production system

In 2007 and 2008 selected pheromone reservoir dispensers were evaluated for mating disruption of codling moth populations in North Carolina apple orchards. Selection of effective pheromone dispenser is critical for effective suppression of codling moth populations within apple orchards. Uniform applications of Isomate CM/OFM TT at 988 dispensers/ha effectively suppressed populations below the treatment threshold of an average of 4-codling moths/insect trap; necessitating fewer chemical applications for codling moth management. Both wax emulsion and foil membrane pheromone release systems did not provide adequate pheromone releases in the apple orchard to sufficiently suppress codling moth populations. Release rate of pheromone dispensers plays an important role in the effectiveness of dispensers for suppressing codling moth populations.