Codling moth, Cydia pomonella L. (Lepidoptera: Tortricidea), is the key pest
of apples and pears in South Africa. To date the control of codling moth in apple
and pear orchards has depended on the application of insecticides and in some cases
pheromone mediated mating disruption. Due to the development of resistance to
insecticides and restrictions placed on the use of certain insecticides, control of
codling moth has become problematic. Sterile insect release (SIR) of codling moth
has been investigated as a potential addition to the current control strategy. The
cost-benefit of codling moth SIR under local conditions, mass culture methods and
initial field trials have been completed. It is envisioned that codling moth SIR will be
used in conjunction with insecticide sprays and/or pheromone disruption. A large-
scale pilot project is planned for the South Western Cape.