Project Number: 5352-22000-017-06
Project Type: Trust

Start Date: Oct 27, 2003
End Date: Sep 30, 2008

Objective:
Assess activity, shelf life and sensitivity to sunlight of the Cyd-X formulation of Codling Moth granulovirus under laboratory and field conditions. Assess activity of Steinernematid nematodies for control of Codling Moth in orchards and fruit bins.

Approach:
USDA-ARS Insect Pathology lab will develop procedures for the evaluation of Cyd-X under laboratory and field conditions. Bioassay of virus in the lab will use artificial media to quantify the activity of the virus against neonate Codling Moth larvae to produce information on lethal concentration. Five concentrations of virus producing mortality in neonate larvae ranging from 10-95% will be applied to artificial media; neonate larvae will then be added to vials and assessed for mortality after one week of exposure. Experiments will be repeated 4 times on separate dates to take into account the variability in larval cohorts. Assays will also assess the storage stability of Cyd-X at 2, 25 and 35 degree C over a 6-month period. Bioassays of virus to assess sensitivity to ultra-violet light on apples that have been treated with 10 to the -3 and 10 to the -5 dilutions will be conducted using a solar simulator and neonate larvae. Five neonate larvae will be added to cups containing treated and UV exposed apples and incubated for one week. Various exposure times (0, 4, 8 hours) will be used for experiments. Field evaluation will involve apple trees in replicated experimental plots being treated with Cyd-X formulation at 3 and 6 oz per acre during first generation of Codling Moth (May-June). Ten trees will be used for each treatment and control. Five apples will be picked from each tree in each treatment and control just after application at 1, 3, 7, 10, and 14 days post-treatment. Each fruit will be infested with 5 neonate Codling Morth larvae and incubated for 1 week at which time the number of entries and living larvae will be determined by dissecting the apples. A second trial will be conducted during the second generation of Codling Moth using procedures and rates described for first trial. Applications of Cyd-X formulation will be made by 3 or more growers will also be monitored by insect pathology lab staff for efficacy. Documents Trust with Certis. Log 25055. Formerly 5352-22000-015-36T (6/05).