Braconid wasps for oriental fruit moth
The braconid Macrocentrus ancylivorus is a common parasitoid of oriental fruit moth larvae. UC IPM reports that in orchards where broad-spectrum insecticides are not used, parasitism can reach 80–90% by August and September, and suggests a small sunflower plot near the orchard to give it an overwintering host. It is not sold. What helps it is leaving out broad-spectrum sprays; UC IPM also warns that the pyrethroid esfenvalerate can cause secondary pest outbreaks in perennial crops.
Before you act
Small parasitic wasps (the common Cotesia species are only 2–3 mm long) whose larvae develop inside a caterpillar or an aphid and kill it. The white, rice-grain cocoons standing up on the back of a hornworm are theirs, and a hornworm carrying them should be left on the plant. How to recognise it, what it is confused with and how to keep it around are on the full Braconid wasps profile.
Other controls for oriental fruit moth
- Betabaculovirus cypomonellae (Cydia pomonella granulovirus)Microbial insecticide · Label rate — Madex HP ½ tsp per 5 gal of water (Cyd-X does not list oriental fruit moth)