A Field Test of the Effect of Artificial Light on the Behavior of the Codling Moth Carpocapsa Pomonella Linn

Six 500-watt lights were suspended directly over a block of fifteen trees consisting of several varieties of apples. The plot was flooded with light each evening for two and a half to three hours from April 26 to June 30,i.e., to the end of the first brood of codling moth. Temperature for the period was recorded and foot candle meter readings were made to ascertain light intensities. Comparing fruit of the same variety at the end of the test it was found that 21 per cent of the apples on check trees outside the test plot were moth attacked while only 14.5 per cent of the apples inside the test plot were so affected. Light of the intensity and quality used indicates a tendency to deter the codling moth in its egg laying habits.