Spring is here, insects are flying, and now is the time to think about implementing mating disruption in your orchards for codling moth. We have discussed mating disruption as a management option for codling moth and other insects at summer field days, the Wisconsin Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Conference, and in a previous article of the WFN. One new tool you may want to add to your toolbox this year is mating disruption dispensers for dogwood borer (DWB; see photo above).

Some growers have been interested in using mating disruption for DWB. This clear wing moth lays eggs in burr knots and can cause severe damage to tree trunks and tree vigor. More info about DWB and other borers can be found in this article. Mating disruption for DWB is available commercially as the DWB Isomate products from Pacific Biocontrol and is now registered for use in Wisconsin. 

The label recommends using 150 dispensers per acre on the initial treatment year and possibly 100 dispensers for low population areas. The dispensers should be placed on lateral branches at chest height within the tree and should be applied in the spring before the end of May, prior to DWB adult emergence. Please continue to monitor populations in your orchard using pheromone traps to assess the effectiveness of this strategy and consider complementing with insecticide applications to reduce populations if necessary, at least in the first years of implementation. 

Happy growing season!

This article was posted in Apples, Insects and tagged dog wood borer.