New York field reports welcomed. Early season control sprays directed against the plum curculio have provided adequate control of the first generation of internal Lepidoptera, and later sprays applied during July and August to control apple maggot have controlled later season generations of internal Lepidoptera. Most growers have used broad-spectrum organophosphate insecticides to control all of these pests that directly injure fruit and have usually obtained almost perfect control at a reasonable cost. However, in the future, it appears that changing pesticide regulations may affect the availability and use patterns of organophosphate insecticides. This species complex of lepidopterous pests of apple is commonly referred to as internal Lepidoptera.
Seasonal development differs slightly for all three species.
Since these pests can commonly be found infesting apples in unsprayed orchards and wild apple trees, natural enemies, predators and parasites will not provide adequate control in commercial apple orchards. The seasonal life cycle of CM is discussed in detail in Cornell's Tree Fruit IPM Insect Identification Sheet No. 2. The spring flight of CM begins about the time that 'Delicious' apples bloom in NY, and a second peak of adult activity, which may include a second and partial third generation of the pest, begins in July and continues throughout the remainder of August. The second generation of CM usually causes more damage to fruit than the first generation of this pest. Even though CM biology and behavior is somewhat similar in the eastern and western apple growing regions, it is much more difficult to control CM in the western part of the United States.