THE CODLIN MOTH.

Waipa Post, Volume II, Issue 76, 12 January 1912, Page 4

THE CODLIN MOTH.

REQUIRES ATTENTION THIS

MONTH.

Considered from a general standpoint, says Mr W. A. Boucher, codlin moth is possibly the orehard pest that requires the greatest amount of attention during January. The hatching of the moth in small numbers commences in the latter part of October and continues in increasing numbers through November and December, the percentage developing from the grub to the chrysalis and moth lorm depending on the weather conditions. Whatever development may have taken place prior to January, it is now well recognised that about the middle of the month, in districts where the moth has not already been brought well under control, a heavy flight will take place and, unless the necessary steps Have been taken, within a very brief period a considerable percentage of fruit will show signs of infection. In anticipation of this flight the classes of fruit liable to infection by the pest should be carefully and thoroughly sprayed. Spraying about January 8 th or 10th for the control of the moth may be regarded by the careful apple or pear grower as one of the most important operations of the season. It.has, says Mr Boucher, been no uncommon thing for some commercial and many domestic growers, after spraying up to the end of December and linding few, if any signs of infection to feel satisfied that lurther tiouble would not occur during the rest of the season. Serious infection by the January flight mentioned, has been noticed too late. The grower has then realised that the material and -labour already expended have been largely wasted and he has been left to regret the loss of a high percentage of his crop. Moreover, unless prompt and careful measures have been taken to prevent the escape of considerable numbers of grubs to their hibernating quarters, infection has been created for the following season.