Pilot sterile codling moth releases for the apple industry (AP18001)

What’s it all about?

This investment is investigating the feasibility of using ‘sterile insect technology’ (SIT) in the control of codling moths in Australian apple orchards.

SIT has been used in parts of Canada to reduce wild moth populations and pesticide use, and is also being trialled in New Zealand. The approach involves producing sterile male codling moths, which are developed to be fit and attractive to wild females. Released into orchards, the sterile moths compete for females, helping stop the wild moth population from successfully breeding.

Following this project’s feasibility investigation, pilot releases of sterile codling moths will be used to assess the effectiveness of the approach in controlling wild populations, and to develop guidelines and recommendations for incorporating sterile moth releases into existing pest management programs across the country.