Posted: Mélissa Cataphard Date: 9 juin 2016

How pheromones are reducing pesticide use in Quebec apple orchards

Quebec pilot project uses chemical emitted by female insects to stave off pests’ procreation

Stéphane Cataphard is among a growing number of Quebec apple growers turning to insect pheromones to stave off infestations and cutting back on harmful pesticides.
Stéphane Cataphard is among a growing number of Quebec apple growers turning to insect pheromones to stave off infestations and cutting back on harmful pesticides. (Jessica Rubinger/CBC)

 

Stéphane Cataphard, an apple producer in Quebec’s lower Laurentians, used to spray his orchards with insecticides to protect the fruit from the codling moth five, even six, times a year.

But not any more.

Codling moth larvae

The codling moth’s larvae burrow into untreated apples, damaging the fruit. (CBC)

« Last year we just sprayed once, » he said while sorting Macintosh apples at his warehouse in St-Joseph-du-Lac, 50 kilometres northwest of Montreal. « This year we hope to….

 

Read full article on: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/pheremones-pesticides-apple-orchards-1.3585104

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