Incidence of codling moth (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in packed nectarines

Controlled experiments were conducted to determine the incidence of codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.), in packed nectarines, Prunus persica (L.) Batsch var. nucipersica. We have demonstrated the existence of only extremely low levels of codling moth infestation in commercial nectarines. No eggs, pupae, or diapausing larvae were found. Only one live, third instar was found in 37,908 culled nectarines. Three live fourth instars were found in 326,625 packed nectarines. Only 22 codling moth males were trapped in 1,392 trap-nights in three nectarine orchards. It is apparent that nectarine is not a significant host of codling moth. We discuss the probability of a potential mating pair occurring in a shipment under several different scenarios and how this relates to meeting quarantine security requirements.