Mating disruption of codling moth in pome fruit orchards of Oeste region in Portugal

A dissemination project began in 2002 (PO AGRO DE&D no 30) in order to promote mating-disruption as an area wide management tactic for codling moth control, involving 180 ha of pome fruit orchards in three major areas of crop production (Alcobaca, Cadaval, Mafra). This project aims to show the effectiveness of mating-disruption for the management of codling moth populations the control of C. pomonella and to evaluate the potential benefits of this tactic in preventing secondary-pest outbreaks, preserve natural enemies and reduce pesticide residues on fruits. The results obtained in 2002 will be presented and discussed. The economic assessment of this method was evaluated considering the costs of mating-disruption, as well as its benefits.