The Population Development and Infestation Rate of Codling Moth (Cydia pomonella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)) in Apple Orchards in Sarayönü (Konya) District

The codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), is a key pest in apple orchards and can cause significant economic losses. This study was carried out to determine the development of adult population, the time of first adult emergence, the period when adults were active, the number of generations, and the infestation rate of the codling moth in Sarayönü district of Konya province in 2022 and 2023. For this purpose, nine apple orchards were determined in the district, three locations (Central, Ladik and Gözlü) and three at least 5 da in size in each location. To determine the population development of the C. pomonella, two delta type sexual pheromone traps were hung in each apple orchard. The traps were checked every day until the first adults were caught, and subsequently on a weekly basis, and the number of adults was recorded. For determining the infestation rate, when the fruits reached the size of a walnut, 10 fruits from 10 randomly selected trees in each apple orchard, 100 fruits in total, were visually inspected weekly and the infested fruits were recorded. Degree-day values of the codling moth were also calculated. As a result of the study, it was determined that the first adult emergence occurred on May 16th in all orchards in 2022 and May 12th in 2023, and that adults were active for approximately 4-5 months. In Sarayönü district, it has been recorded that the codling moth has 2 to 3 generations, depending on climatic conditions. The average infestation rates of the pest in 2022 and 2023 were determined as 20.6% and 29.7 in Central, 14.3% and 28.4 in Ladik, and 2.1% and 5.5 in Gözlü, respectively. To effectively control the codling moth, apple producers should monitor the population using pheromone traps. It is also advisable for them to base their control strategies on population density, degree-day calculations, and climatic conditions.