Role of Pheromone Application Technology for the Management of Codling Moth in High Altitude and Cold Arid Region of Ladakh

Abstract

The codling moth is a threat to the apple industries in India. Currently, no solutions are available for the management of codling moth in Ladakh. Therefore, all fresh fruits from Ladakh are still banned due to quarantine regulations. Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh are the three main apple producing states of India, both in quality and quantity. The ban on all fresh fruits from Ladakh directly affects the economy of rural populations. These fruits are sold in all the local markets of Kargil and Leh. Apples damaged by the larvae of codling moth are less preferred by inhabitants, tourists, and security forces, a large area of Ladakh is bordered with China and Pakistan. Field demonstration trials revealed significantly less fruit damage in apple orchards in different hamlets of Ladakh using pheromone dispensers, pheromone baited traps, and two applications of insecticides for codling moth management. A demonstration of the use of pheromone and pheromone dispenser technology for area-wide management for high dense populations of the codling moth in Ladakh has revealed successful results in the orchards of the apple growers. Area-wide management of the codling moth in some villages, using dispenser technology has shown promising results. The ban of fresh fruits in Ladakh may not be, therefore, appropriate as management of the codling moth appears to be successful with the use of pheromone dispenser technology. This technology will, surely, boost the apple industry and have a great potential for establishing commercial orchards and quality apples in high altitudes in the second-highest cold arid region of the world.

Pheromone-based monitoring of codling moth in isolated belt of Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir, India

“…1d) are about 10.2 mm long and have a wing span of 15 mm, dusty greyish brown in colour having coppery wings with dark copper-colored posterior forewing margins, however, the hind wings are pale brownish grey. Similarly, Hussain et al (2021) also reported that codling moth adults having grayish brown color, one inch in length, had coppery wings with a dark copper color at the tip region. The adult moths hold the wings back over their abdomen in a tent-like shape while in a resting position.…”

“…At the entry points, excreta was thrown out, which was produced by the boring larvae and form tunnels inside the pulp of fruit to reach the seed locules and feed on the whole seed. Codling moth larvae bore into the fruits, and feed on seeds and create exit holes by pushing waste material out (Hussain et al, 2021). After feeding, the full-grown last instar comes out of the fruit for pupation.…”