Mid Snake Resource Conservation and Development Council (RC&D) is conducting a research project that seeks to mitigate the economic impact of codling moth damage to apple and pear trees. Codling moths are one of the most damaging pests throughout the world, and our project will help orchard and small growers throughout the valley.

We are currently seeking an intern in connection to CSI’s SARE internship program. The intern will be tasked with locating orchards throughout the valley (commercial, backyard, and lone trees), monitoring the presence of codling moth through trapping, and then releasing sterile male codling moths into infected orchards weekly during the season. These sterile moths will then mate with wild moths and reduce their population and economic impact utilizing a biological control. Targeting trees throughout the valley instead of just individual orchards should result in greater reduction and decrease the occurrence of re-infestation as compared to targeting individual orchards.

The use of biological controls in place of chemical applications in agricultural operations can significantly reduce the amount of ag-related chemicals finding their way into ground and surface water, as well as decreasing the energy needed to apply these chemical controls. Sterile insect release has been shown to be effective in other states having large orchard blocks, we are looking at the effectiveness in Southern Idaho with small blocks and lone trees.

If you are interested in applying to this internship, please send a resume and a description to midsnakercd@gmail.com.