Steve Ellis

Pea moth traps should now be in position

If you are using pea moth traps to monitor the pest they should ideally be in position in early May. Pea moth activity can start at the beginning to middle of May. The larvae feed on peas within the pods which can affect crop quality. Timing of control measures is crucial, and any sprays should be timed to coincide with the presence of young larvae on the pods. Once they are inside the pods, they will be protected from insecticide sprays.

Traps should be examined at two-day intervals.

In vining peas, the acceptable level of damage from pea moth is much lower than in combining peas. Pheromone traps should only be used as a guide as to the presence of moths and spray dates calculated from the date of first catches.