Codling moth granulovirus: a comprehensive review

Abstract

Codling moth (CM), Cydia pomonella (L), is regarded as the most serious insect pest of apple worldwide. A variety of problems associated with the traditional use of non-selective insecticides for its control include: untoward environmental effects, insecticide resistance, negative impacts on natural enemies, and safety for pesticide applicators and the food supply. Concerns about these consequences have increased the interest in and development of alternative means for CM control that have little or no impact on humans, beneficial organisms and sensitive ecosystems. An effective and selective alternative to chemical insecticides for CM control is the CM granulovirus (CpGV). The virus was first isolated in Mexico and subsequently studied and evaluated in Europe and North America. A variety of research including pathology, pathogenesis and histopathology of the virus, determination of virulence, development of production methods, field use, factors that influence efficacy, commercial development, formulation, and CM resistance to the virus has been conducted. Commercial products of CpGV are now produced in Europe and North America and used by orchardists worldwide. In this paper we present a comprehensive review of the CpGV literature and the role of the virus in integrated pest management.

Keywords:

• codling moth
• Cydia pomonella
• granulovirus
• resistance
• pathology
• commercial development
• integrated pest management

Acknowledgements

We are grateful for the constructive reviews of the manuscript by Joan Cossentine, Don Hostetter and Wee Yee. The comments and suggestions of our anonymous reviewers are appreciated and improved the manuscript. We also thank our colleagues who have furnished literature, comments and suggestions for the manuscript.