Organic Orcharding

Is it really possible to grow apples w/o pesticides? I have a terrible codling moth problem on several old trees, what do I use/do?

 

Hey, goatroper: from what I've just looked at on the internet---yes, I DO think that it's possible! Seems as if organic codling moth control can be accomplished by using pheromone traps and/or the introduction of beneficial insects which prey upon the moth larvae. Try googling "codling moth organic control". Below are two sites I found:

http://www.wikihow.com/Control-Codling-Moth-Organically

http://www.greenharvest.com.au/pestcontrol/codling_moth_info.html

Welcome to the Forum!

 

Thank-you, I'll check it out.

 

I got rid of codling by grazing my muscovey ducks around the area. It was totaly accidental but it seemed to be the reason. Since then several people have tried it with ducks, geese and chickens in their orchard area. Note the location of the larvae. I think this is how the cycle was broken

http://www.hortnet.co.nz/publications/hortfacts/hf401008.htm

Liz

 

We are getting some chicks soon, but that will be a little late for this year. I ordered some biological controls,(wasps), and some organic spray from Gardens Alive. Thanks for your help.

 

Let us know how it goes!

 

Make sure any fowl are secure from predators. Particularly at night. I use livestock dogs (Maremma and Pyrenean) so Mr fox in may case will not even come by. I suspect you may also have other animals and birds that may be a problem. Also don't forget a bit of grain feed or similar once a day besides what they pick up. By the way 2 hens can do a fair bit of rotar tilling on half an acre.

Liz

 

I have been using spinosad (Entrust, Monterey Garden Spray, etc.) to control codling moth the last 3 years. It is very effective. Timing is crucial, you need to watch heat units in order to time the spray correctly.

 

Hello Goatroper,

Its possible to produce the organic apples, you can refer www.kootenaycovers.com
I think its helpful for you

 

I accidentaly cleared mine when the pet ducks cleared them out. The were very active around the base of the tree and the trunk as well as cleaning up the fallen ones. They were terrific the following couple of years then the parrots and possums (native marsupial )discovered them long before they got ripe. The drought has not helped in recent years as the fruit is not even setting. I now let my 4 chickens mull the area regularly and should we get some decent rain I will fight the wildlife for some of the haul.

Liz