The plum fruit moth (Grapholita funebrana) is a serious pest that poses a significant threat to orchards and gardens by attacking plums, apricots, cherries, and peaches. The larvae of this moth infest both green and ripening fruits, boring into the pulp until they reach the seed. This not only ruins the appearance and economic value of the fruits but also facilitates the development of diseases such as monilia (Monilinia fructigena). Losses caused by the plum fruit moth can reach up to 80% of the harvest. However, these losses can be significantly reduced by using ecological products from Eco Center.
One highly effective and environmentally friendly solution is Grapholita Protect® – a mating disruption product.
Grapholita Protect® works by releasing a large quantity of pheromones using the MD Grapholita Protect® dispenser to saturate the protected area. Male plum fruit moth/ oriental fruit (Grapholita funebrana/Grapholita molesta) follow the false pheromone trails created by the MD dispenser, becoming disoriented and unable to locate females, thereby preventing mating.
For effective protection, we recommend installing Grapholita Protect® dispensers before the first generation of pests appears, at a density of approximately 300 dispensers per hectare. This ensures protection for 160-180 days. Additionally, Delta monitoring traps with pheromone lures for Grapholita funebrana/Grapholita molesta are essential for early identification of infestation hotspots. These traps should be installed in the second to third decade of April.
Dorvalandro SRL, Administrator Dorin Caldare
Until this year, we relied solely on traditional pest control methods, specifically insecticides. The increased number of treatments not only raised production costs but also risked exceeding the allowed residue limits in the harvest.
This year, for the first time, we implemented pheromone mating disruption on 8.4 hectares of plum orchards to combat two major pests: the plum fruit moth and the oriental fruit moth. I am very satisfied with the results, having only needed one treatment against these pests.
Thanks to this method, we achieved effective pest control with no residues, which is crucial for us as we hold the Global GAP international quality certificate.
For next year, I confidently plan to use pheromone mating disruption on all our plum orchards.