This week a customer us with the question of how to control Codling Moth in his apple orchard. As we have resources much more informed than I at our disposal, we decided to call in the big guns, aka "Vijay the pathologist", to give us an orientation of exactly when and how to control this pest with AzaGuard or AzaGuard RTU.Q. Vijay, I didn't see codling moth specifically listed on the label - would Azaguard be effective against this caterpillar? A. AzaGuard is effective on most larvae and should cover codling moth worms as well.
Q. Is there any other way than a pre-planting application to best take advantage of Azaguard's systemic properties? Or will foliar applications deliver this as well?
A. AzaGuard can be systemic when applied to root system and foliage. However, for larvae control, it’s the contact mode rather than systemic mode that’s more important. Proper timing of foliage and fruit application is a key for codling moth larvae control. It’s important to have the AzaGuard applied repeatedly just as eggs are hatching because once larvae drills into the fruit, it cannot be managed. Apply AzaGuard @ 16 fl.oz per 100 gallons per acre, 3-4 times during the first spring generation at 7-10 day interval followed by 2-3 applications during summer generations using the same rate and application interval. If the pest pressure is high, use 22.5 fl.oz per 100 gallons per acre and rotate with products like Spinosad. Addition of commercial horticultural oil @ 0.5% v/v (Ex. For 1.0 gallon of AzaGuard spray solution, use 0.64 fl.oz of oil)
will be more effective. Test for phytotoxicity with oils by spraying a small section first before large scale use. Also combine chemical treatment with non-chemical treatments such as general sanitation (removing and destroying damaged fruit to prevent additional generations of moths), using moth traps, fuit bagging etc.
Q. Would you recommend staggering applications of Azaguard & OxiDate / OxiDate RTS? A. I would recommend spraying OxiDate first followed by AzaGuard as two separate applications. So there you have it. Wishing our orchard customers some tasty apples to feast on this season!