Carob moth lure and moths on sticky trap
Monitoring
- Carob moth flights may be monitored with a species specific pheromone lure.
- The lure is placed in a suitable trap such as a delta trap, with a trap per 1 to 5ha. Lures last from 4 to 8 weeks.
- Check traps weekly to identify peaks in adult activity.
- Moths should be counted and removed from traps as you monitor.
Control
Cultural control
- Unharvested pods serve as breeding sites and a reservoir for the spring generation (as larvae survive winter in the pods).
- The removal and/or destruction of these pods is very important as it will reduce the severity of an early infestation the following season.
Biological control
- Overseas several parasites are known to attack carob moth larvae and pupae.
- Several natural enemies of carob moth have been identified from almond in Victoria. None are available commercially.
- It is not known if any natural enemies are present in WA.
Mating disruption
- Females emit a pheromone which the males follow to find a mate.
- Pheromones may be used in a technique known as mating disruption (or male confusion).
- Artificial female carob moth pheromones are placed within the area to be protected, masking the natural pheromone plumes. Males follow the “false pheromone trails” at the expense of finding mates.
- The technique has been trialed in palm date orchards in California, where a single application of the artificial pheromone was as or more effective than chemical treatment.
- Mating disruption is also being trialed in almonds in Victoria.
Chemical control
- Routine spray schedules prevent build-up in commercial orchards. However, no pesticides are registered specifically for control of carob moth in carob.
- The organic insecticide Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) can be sprayed just prior to egg lay and will kill the young larvae.
- Respray five days later if more larvae hatch or if followed by rain.
- Note that Bt spraying needs to occur before the smaller larvae migrate into the pod.