California registers biopesticide for codling moth, oriental fruit moth larvae

Virosoft CP4 can be used on apple, peach, pear, plum, nectarine or apricot trees, as well as on nut trees (almonds, cashews or walnuts). Virosoft CP4 is listed by the Organic Materials Review Institute as allowed, with restrictions, by the U.S. National Organic Program.

Sylvia Richard

Used in Washington, Oregon, Pennsylvania and New York states for the last 10 years as well as in the Canadian provinces of Quebec, Ontario and British Columbia, Virosoft CP4 is a short- and long-term response to the spread of the codling moth in the main fruit-producing regions of North America, according to a news release from the company. The biopesticide makes it possible to carry out a biological fight against codling moth and oriental fruit moth by infecting the larvae with a granulovirus, Cydia pomonella granulosis (CpGVCP4). Once ingested, the virus kills the larvae before they can enter the fruit according to a news release from the company. Used in organic and conventional production it allows all other beneficial insects to perform their tasks, thus protecting the crops and ensuring better yields.