Codling moth
Caterpillars of a small moth that tunnel into apples and pears, leaving a hole and brown, frass-filled tunnels to the core.
Also known as: Codling, Cydia pomonella
Symptoms and identification
Small holes in the fruit surface, often with brown droppings around them. Inside, a tunnel leads to the core, where a pinkish-white caterpillar may be feeding. Affected fruit often drops early.
Causes
The moth lays eggs on leaves and young fruit in late spring and summer. Larvae bore into the fruit, then leave to overwinter under loose bark.
Organic treatment
Bag individual fruits after thinning. Remove and destroy cardboard bands and fallen fruit regularly. Granulosis virus products target codling moth specifically.
Prevention
Hang pheromone traps in late spring to monitor males. Wrap corrugated cardboard bands around trunks in summer to trap larvae, and remove fallen fruit.
Chemical treatment (use with care)
Time sprays labelled for codling moth to egg hatch, guided by trap catches, following the label and harvest interval.