Pear gall midge (Contarinia pyrivora), too small to see (BIOFRUITNET Practice Abstract)

Proper timing of control methods provides better effectiveness. Practical recommendation Pest monitoring • In the UK, the Netherlands, Belgium and Italy pheromone blends of the pear gall midge were tested (2018 and 2022). The right pheromone blend is identified and was consistent in all trials. • The use of lures with a specific pheromone in traps is a sensitive and accurate means of monitoring the short and often intense emergence period of adult midges. • Transparent traps are most successful at catching midges for monitoring. • Hang the monitoring traps early March in the orchard. Preventive measures • Removal of young, infested fruits in May, before the fruits and larvae fall on the soil. Direct measures • Pyrethrine (when allowed in your country). • Spinosad (when allowed in your country) – however, this has negative side effects on beneficial insects. • Mineral oil (not very effective). Mass trapping • Mass trapping with 100 pheromone traps/ha showed no reduction in damage in trials carried out in the Netherlands (2021-2022) and Italy (2022). • The pheromone could possibly also be used for mating disruption during the short period of adult emergence. This could be researched in the future