The experiment was carried out in an apple orchard in the Central Balkan Mountains of Bulgaria, in 2006 and 2007. Mating disruption (MD) was tested as an alternative method for controlling codling moth (CM), Cydia pomonella L., from post-bloom till harvest. Ecodian CP (Isagro) pheromone dispensers were installed twice during the season. In the reference, conventionally treated orchard, 12-15 insecticide treatments were applied to control codling moth, leaf miners, leaf rollers, aphids and

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... 10-12 of them were aimed at control of CM. In spite of that, the fruit damage reached there 2.3 and 2.6% in successive years. Percentage of damage in plots treated with Ecodian was 0.5 and 0.7%, i.e. below the economical threshold; no outbreak of the pest appearance was noted. So, the MD method, with use of the Ecodian CP dispensers, proved to be an effective means of control. The results obtained may open the possibilities of practical use of the method of mating disruption in Bulgaria. This method should favour preservation of the natural environment and enable production of healthy fruits, not polluted by chemicals.