Several field studies have proved its efficacy in reducing codling moth damage and abundance of surviving larvae. This virus was developed for commercial use in Europe and has been used in the United States under experimental use permits. Development of a cost effective, efficacious CpGv formulation is being pursued by educational institutions and industry. Availability of such a formulation for codling moth would add a highly specific method of remedial control that would not interfere with natural controls of other pests. Phenology models are generally used to better time insecticide applications, thus improving control and reducing inappropriate use of chemical controls.
Insects are cold-blooded animals.
Development of their immature stages is keyed to climatic factors, primarily temperature. It is, therefore, possible to predict stage changes from climatic records. For immature stages of codling moth, growth begins at ca. C, which can be taken as a common threshold for development of the three stages, namely the eggs, larvae, and pupae. Each stage has a specific heat requirement to complete development and transform to the next stage.