
This month’s gogga of the month is the infamous False Codling Moth or Thaumatotibia (Crytoplebia) leucotreta. This pesky pest penetrates fruits like citrus and apples and lays its eggs inside the fruit.
Symptoms
If the fruits are green, the penetration holes will turn yellow. The larvae are laid inside the blossoms and the new fruits forms around it. The fruit will look edible and only after peeling or breaking into it, will you find the larvae inside!
What does this mean for me/my plant?
The penetration holes will turn brown and appear sunken in as the fruit tissue gets more deteriorated. The maturing larvae will increase the size of the penetration holes so that they can turn into moths and exist in the fruits. The distressed plants will eventually fall within four weeks. The fruit will ripen as usual but will contain the moth and will not be edible.
Suggested Action
Spray plants preventatively for the first time, after 80% of blossom fall, after that every 14 days. Use a concentrated contact and stomach insecticide, following the instructions on the pack.

Visit your local GCA Garden Centre to get more advice on how to deal with false codling moths on your fruits. Click here to find your nearest GCA https://www.lifeisagarden.co.za/category/garden-centres/