Another Tool in the Codling Moth Toolbox

Cormoran is an insecticide developed by ADAMA that provides both knockdown and residual control, and keeps a broad range of damaging insect pests from invading key crops. Cormoran’s pre-mix ensures maximum performance, fewer rate and mixing errors and residual control which typically lasts up to 14 days.

A foliar-applied ovicide/larvicide that is applied with an air-blast sprayer, Cormoran is registered for use on apples, cherries and pears, as well as berry and row crops.

Dr. Steve Eskelsen, product development manager for ADAMA, recommends growers use Cormoran as part of their program for managing important apple pests, including codling moth.

“There are some very good products for controlling codling moths out there and very good programs right now, but it is very important to manage resistance,” he said. “I think there is a heavy reliance on the most popular products being used, and new insecticides are not entering the market. It’s important to keep all currently registered insecticides relevant,” Eskelsen continued. “I would advise growers to add Cormoran to their toolbox and add it to their rotation to delay the development of resistance to the other insecticides.”

For the first application, 20 to 28 fluid ounces of Cormoran should be used, at petal fall (50 to 100 growing degree days after biofix) and then again at a delayed first cover treatment (350 GDD after biofix).

When applying Cormoran during the first application, the insecticide will kill codling moth eggs. If Cormoran is applied late and growers are experiencing codling moth larvae, the insecticide will also terminate the early larvae.

Cormoran has a broad spectrum of activity, killing insect pests that may be present at the time of application including codling moth, thrips, leafrollers, beetles, other caterpillars, psyllids and whiteflies. Cormoran has a moderate effect on beneficial insects that control the populations of wooly apple aphids and mites.

Cormoran has two modes of action — Novaluron, an insect growth regulator, IRAC group 15, and Acetamiprid, a neonicotinoid IRAC group 4A.

Novaluron is considered toxic to codling moth eggs and 1st instar larvae, whereas Acetamiprid is toxic to all stages of codling moth larvae. If leafrollers are active during the petal fall stage, Cormoran will control them. Eskelsen notes that although Cormoran may be slow-acting during this stage, which is typical of an IGR, it will be effective against targeted insect pests.

When choosing an insecticide to mitigate damaging insect pests from invading crops, Eskelsen says it is important for growers to manage resistance.

“If another application is needed to finish the first generation, apply Assail or another acetamiprid formulation,” he said. “Then, rotate to a different active ingredient for the second generation of codling moth.”

In addition, when applying Cormoran, it also is important to maintain good coverage on trees and crops to ensure its effectiveness.

“As with all foliar-applied products, make sure that the air-blast sprayer is well-calibrated and provides good coverage on the trees. It is imperative that you have enough water in the tank to get good coverage on the trees, and you’re hitting as many leaves as possible,” Eskelsen said.

Since Cormoran protects crops from yield-robbing insect pests, growers will see an improved ROI. Cormoran is proven to protect apple crops, allowing growers to maintain highly marketable apples.

“(The industry) relies on insect pest management (IPM) programs. There are a lot of natural enemies out there that can protect the crop as well. You don't want to use products that disrupt these natural enemies,” Eskelsen said. “We’re recommending you use Cormoran with the first generation as it has a moderate effect on beneficials and is better than some other insecticides currently used on the market.”

Eskelsen went on to say that Cormoran, when used in the first generation of codling moth and as part of an overall IPM program, will allow growers to have good efficacy while minimizing the effect on beneficials.

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