Is anyone successfully using beneficial nematodes (Steinernema feltiae and/or Steinernema carpocapsae) to control apple codling moth in back yard or small orchard settings? If so, please tell us how and when you prefer to apply them, and share any tips or gotchas that you’ve learned.
Not aware that nematodes are ever used that way, but I’d love the learn if they are.
I use spinosad for CM and it can work very well, but it’s very sensitive to timing.
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As far as I know, codling moths don’t pupate underground. So beneficial nematodes won’t help with them. There is some evidence for nematodes working for plum curculio and maybe japanese beetles. @scottfsmith has used nematodes, I think, for curcs.
I believe the alternative control for codling moth is to wrap trees in corrugated cardboard and remove it at the end of the season. Then burn the CM’s at the stake like the demons they are. OKSIR Cardboard Banding for Orchards
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This notion isn’t my personal brainstorm; both BioLogic and Arbico label their nematode products for CM control. The application instructions that I’ve seen (like this example at Planet Natural) suggest that one spray the trunk and the ground up to the drip line, the latter apparently due to the assumption that there’s sufficient debris under the tree in the form of small branches, wood chips, etc. to shelter cocoons. That would likely be accurate in my orchard.
What I don’t know is if this is actually effective in practice. It would be a fine thing if it were, perhaps in combination with other controls, as it’s less timing-sensitive than most.
I’ve been using the nematodes for a few years, but I have to say I haven’t seen a lot in the way of good results so far. I use both of those kinds. I am mainly trying to control PC but they are also supposed to work on moths. When I was at Cidercon a few weeks ago the grower from Eves ciders said she used nematodes for moth control, and she said it in a positive way. Note I didn’t spray the trunks as I was mainly after PC and the stuff is expensive.
You need to time the sprays right so they are there and waiting when the nasty guys start to pupate. Ideally you want to put them down in a rain so they can move to a safe wet spot before they dry out… they are small so movement is slow even by worm standards.
I’m going to keep trying for several more years, Cornell seems to have gotten some good results with them.
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I used beneficial nematodes last year. I didn’t see any differences.
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Thanks for that input. I’m going to give it a try this year, but I’ll keep my expectations firmly in check.
I have been interested in trying the nematodes BUT have held off waiting to see peoples results here. The product is very expensive for as many trees as I have planted. I cannot see wasting this money if the results are not worth the effort.