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The codling moth (Cydia pomonella) is considered the main pest in pome fruit production. In this module, both the damage pressure caused by the codling moth and the parasitism rate by its natural enemies are assessed.
During summer, citizen scientists attach corrugated cardboard strips to apple trees in traditional orchards. Codling moth larvae retreat beneath these strips to overwinter. In late autumn, the cardboard bands are carefully removed and sent to the responsible research institut. There, the number of codling moth larvae and pupae is recorded, and the specimens are overwintered separately by study site.
In the following year, both codling moth adults and their natural enemies - parasitoid wasps and parasitic flies - emerge. The parasitism rate provides an estimate of natural prest control, an important ecosystem service. The diversity of antural enemies may also indicate habitat quality.
With effective coordination by researchers, this citizen science-based module enables a highly cost-efficient monitoring approach across large spatial scales.
