Pear gall midge is a small midge of ca. 4 mm. It causes deformation and loss of fruits in all pear varieties. There is a difference in varieties depending on tree development. In Italy late flowering varieties are more sensitive (e.g., Williams Kaiser). The flight of midges is very early in season and often not noticed. It is an increasing pest of pears. The population builds up over years and the harvest can be greatly reduced.
Solution
Pheromone-baited traps can be used to monitor emergence of the pest to time control measures more precisely. Mass trapping of pear gall midge proved ineffective.
Description
Proper timing of control methods provides better
effectiveness.
Practical recommendation
Pest monitoring
• In the UK, the Netherlands, Belgium and Italy pheromone blends of the pear gall midge were tested (2018 and 2022). The right pheromone blend is identified and was consistent in all trials.
• The use of lures with a specific pheromone in traps is a sensitive and accurate means of monitoring the short and often intense emergence period of adult midges.
• Transparent traps are most successful at catching midges for monitoring.
• Hang the monitoring traps early March in the orchard.
Preventive measures
• Removal of young, infested fruits in May, before the fruits and larvae fall on the soil.
Direct measures
• Pyrethrine (when allowed in your country).
• Spinosad (when allowed in your country) – however, this has negative side effects on beneficial insects.
• Mineral oil (not very effective).
Mass trapping
• Mass trapping with 100 pheromone traps/ha showed no reduction in damage in trials carried out in the Netherlands (2021-2022) and Italy (2022).
• The pheromone could possibly also be used for mating disruption during the short period of adult emergence. This could be researched in the future.
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