Background The codling moth (Cydia Pomonella) is a major pest of deciduous fruit orchards throughout the world. Left uncontrolled, it can destroy up to 80% or more of fruit crops. Conventional control methods involve a combination of different agri-chemical treatments. However, this has a number of adverse side effects, such as the destruction of useful natural enemies, the development of resistance to pesticides by the moth, and high level of pesticide residue on the fruit. Therefore, alternative approaches are required that offer win-win benefits for fruit growers, society and the environment. Objectives The aim of the PURA4IPM project was to demonstrate new approaches to combating the codling moth using low-impact technology, based on a blend of pheromones and insecticide. The pheromones and insecticide are mixed in a wax that is pasted on the upper part of the fruit tree. This approach would have avoided the need for the full tree or fruit to be sprayed with agri-chemicals. Male moths are attracted to the pheromones in the wax, and contact with the wax’s insecticide kills the moth, thus reducing the breeding potential of the species. Expected results: Project outcomes would determine optimal parameters for the wax content and application procedures in different environments, different size orchards and for different levels of infestation; Comparisons would be made with the mating disruption strategies currently used to support standard chemical treatments; and The final results of the project would be widely disseminated.Results Since first sets of field data did not correspond to original expectations, which seemed to jeopardise the overall feasibility of PURA technology, the beneficiary decided to terminate the project anticipatively at the end of 2011.