Control of Pear Leaf Blister Moth in Organic Pear Orchards

The pear leaf blister moth (Leucoptera malifoliella) threatens organic orchards by reducing photosynthesis and fruit quality. A preventive strategy combines flower strips in tree alleys to enhance parasitoid (Chalcidoidea) and earwig populations, which attack larval and pupal stages, with targeted Azadirachtine (NeemAzal®-T/S) application before peak larval hatching—typically early to mid-June in northern Germany. Application timing is guided by pheromone traps, binocular inspection, and the GOTTWALD temperature sum model. NeemAzal®-T/S is absorbed during feeding, inhibiting larval development and reducing leaf mining. Flower strips also support control of green and woolly apple aphids. Broad-spectrum insecticides should be avoided during parasitoid flight to preserve biological control. Published in 2022 by FÖKO within the Biofruitnet project, the one-page guide is available in English (USA), German (Switzerland), and Danish. Contact: niklas.oeser@esteburg.de. Hosted on Organic Eprints.