New Codling Moth Pathogens

This project proposal developed out of other ongoing codling moth research at WSU that was funded by the Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission. The direction of the current proposal appears to be of greater potential value to both the tree fruit industries of Washington, but also to WSU than the other, ongoing work. While collecting codling moth larvae from WA farms, I identified a small number that may have been infected with pathogens. Along with colleagues Northfield and Reyes Corral, we were able to isolate, sequence, and identify three potential fungal pathogens from field-collected codling moth larvae. The proposed project will be used to further search for additional pathogens, while developing the already found pathogens as biopesticides. If successful, those biopesticides may be licensed by WSU for production and sale to farmers.