Apple: Fruittree leafroller
categories: Apple Apple Insects Tree Fruits
revision date: 2024-06-05 10:25
Photo by: R.S. Byther
Biology
The larvae of the fruittree leafroller feed on leaves, flower parts, and sometimes young fruit. They are pale to dark green with a shiny black head and are about 3/4″ long at maturity. Typical symptoms of leafroller feeding include leaves that are rolled and tied in place with webbing and shallow surface damage on the fruit. The caterpillars are active when disturbed, wiggling vigorously or dropping to the ground on a thread. Larvae are usually mature by the end of May, and adults may be found any time from early June to mid-August. The adult moth is 1/2″ to 3/4″ long and mottled tan and brown. Other leafrollers may also be found on apple.
Management Options
Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for successful plant problem management.
Non-chemical Management
Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!
- Pick out and destroy rolled leaves and caterpillars, when practical.
- Pinch rolled leaves to kill caterpillars.
- Encourage natural enemies of caterpillars including birds, parasitic wasps and flies, and predacious beetles. Avoid use of broad-spectrum insecticides which kill beneficial insects.
Chemical Management
IMPORTANT: Visit Home and Garden Fact Sheets for more information on using pesticides.
- Bacillus thuringiensis will control leafrollers only when they are actively feeding.
- Use a spreader-sticker with liquid Bt formulations.
- Superior type oil used at the late delayed-dormant period helps control leafrollers.
- Apply spinosad once around the time of petal fall.
- Homeowners should not make foliar applications to trees over 10 ft tall.
- Consult a commercial pesticide applicator for treatment of trees and shrubs over 10 ft. tall.
Approved Pesticides
Listed below are examples of pesticides that are legal in Washington. Always read and follow all label directions.