Wanted: Codling moth larvae dead, not alive

Wanted: Codling moth larvae dead, not alive

—by Kate PrengamanCodling moth granulovirus does not kill larvae on contact, so growers who want to evaluate its efficacy need to cut open apples with obvious damage to see if the larva inside is dead, as in this photo. The black, desiccated larva is clearly dead, an indication that the virus sprays are working, according to entomologist Teah Smith, pest consultant for Zirkle Fruit. She uses photos like these to train scouts. (Courtesy Jose Lope…