Tebufenozide distorted codling moth larval growth and reproduction, and controlled field populations

Summary The activity of the ecdysteroid agonist tebufenozide was evaluated on the codling moth, Cydia pomonella . Tebufenozide affected larval feeding and growth, showing clear symptoms of a double head capsule. Under the SEM and TEM, symptoms of precocious apolysis of the larval integument were observed. Although this process was accompanied with a great inhibition of locomotion, muscle attachment to the new cuticle seemed not to be affected confirming the primary mode of action of tebufenozide as ecdysteroid‐like. In addition, tebufenozide exerted a sterilising action in female and male adults in the laboratory. Finally, the potency of tebufenozide was evaluated in an experimental orchard for commercial apple production in Belgium being, at least, as effective as diflubenzuron.