Biological cycle: It normally presents 3 to 5 generations per year depending on the climatic conditions and the host plant, in some areas there might be even more. The first adults coming from overwintering larvae start flying in spring. The females usually lay 150-200 eggs.

Damage: First larvae feed on mealybugs molasses found in the host plant. Larvae from advanced instars superficially gnaw the fruits and may penetrate them, making fruit unmarketable. Damaged fruit change precociously of color and fall to the ground prematurely. They can also attack the flowers of the crop devouring petals and stamens.

Nowadays, the strategy normally applied to control this species is based on chemical treatments. Nevertheless, the products used are not highly effective for its management. Therefore, mating disruption is recommended  as an alternative tool for the control of this species. 

This technique consists of creating a saturated atmosphere with sex pheromone of the target insect to confuse males and therefore avoid mating between individuals.

The product CRYPTOTEC is a dispenser comprising (Z)-11-hexadecenal and (Z)-13-octadecenal. These two compounds are described as the sex pheromone of C. gnidiella.

The dispenser is a plastic vial with the liquid pheromone inside. The material of the vial is permeable to the vapors and allows the emission of the product at a controlled rate. In regular weather conditions, the persistence of the dispenser is 180 days approximately. This lifetime may be reduced at high temperatures and/or strong winds.

Dispensers should be placed in the field a few days before the flight of the insect.

Each dispenser should be hung in a branch in the upper third of the tree.

The number of dispensers per ha recommended is 300-400/ha depending on the crop and cultivar. In kaki it is recommended to place 300-400 dispensers/ha depending on the pest pressure. In those cases where mating disruption is applied for first time, it is recommended to put 400 units/ha. In pomegranate, the number of dispensers/ha is 300 in non sensitive varieties such as Wonderful or Mollar and 400/ha in sensitive varieties like Acco or Smith. In vineyard it is recommended to place 400 dispensers/ha.

It is recommended to monitor the species by the positioning of 1-2 delta traps per hectare with the corresponding monitoring dispenser (CRYPTOLAB). Monitoring dispensers should be replaced every 45 days.

Traps should be checked periodically in order to control pest pressure and also confirm the proper functioning of the technique.

Also regular assessments of damage should be carried out. Depending on the number of catches observed in the monitoring traps as well as the level of damage, it might be considered necessary the application of an additional treatment.

The packaging material is impermeable to vapors from the different products.

It is recommended to store the product in its original, unopened packaging, preferably in a freezer until the moment of use. Under these conditions, the product can be stored for a period of two years.

Avoid cutting, puncturing, or opening the dispensers.

Under normal handling conditions, the product poses no toxicity risk to humans, animals, or plants. Likewise, the risks of water and soil contamination are negligible.

The use of gloves is recommended when handling the dispensers.

Used dispensers and their packaging must be managed in accordance with current legislation.