Omenakääriäinen

Omenakääriäinen (Cydia pomonella) is a moth species belonging to the family Tortricidae, commonly known as the codling moth. This insect is a significant pest of apple orchards worldwide. The adult moth is small with a wingspan of about 1.5 to 2 cm. Its forewings are grayish-brown with distinctive wavy bands and a bronze-colored spot near the tip. The hindwings are uniformly gray.

The life cycle of the omenakääriäinen involves several stages. Eggs are laid on or near developing fruit. Upon hatching, the larvae, a small, pinkish-white caterpillar with a dark head, burrow into the fruit. They feed on the flesh and seeds, creating tunnels and often causing the fruit to drop prematurely. A single larva can infest multiple fruits during its development. Once mature, the larva exits the fruit and seeks a sheltered spot to pupate, often under loose bark or in soil. The number of generations per year varies depending on the climate, with warmer regions supporting multiple broods.

Control measures for omenakääriäinen often involve a combination of strategies. These can include monitoring for adult moths using pheromone traps, applying insecticides at specific times to target newly hatched larvae, and employing biological control agents. Cultural practices such as removing fallen fruit and cleaning orchard debris can also help reduce populations.