Cherry: Leafrollers

Biology

Several species of leafrollers may be found on cherries. The larvae feed on leaves, buds, or fruit. They vary in color from pale to dark green, usually have a shiny brown or 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. Damaged leaves are often near shoot tips and may be skeletonized or chewed. Shallow surface damage may be seen on the fruit, but damaged fruit often drop before harvest. Leafroller caterpillars are often active when disturbed, wiggling vigorously or dropping to the ground on a thread. The adult moths are 1/2″ to 3/4″ long and are brown or mottled tan and rusty brown. Some species have darker bands across the wings.

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.

• Best applied when caterpillars are small and before leaves are rolled, just after petal drop.
• Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is only useful if larvae are feeding.
• Use a spreader-sticker with liquid Bt formulations.
• 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.

• Bonide Thuricide BT Concentrate
  Active ingredient: Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki [EPA registration number: 4-226]
• Monterey Garden Insect Spray [Organic]
  Active ingredient: spinosad (spinosyn A+D) [EPA registration number: 62719-314-54705]
• Natural Guard Spinosad Bagworm, Tent Caterpillar & Chewing Insect Control
  Active ingredient: spinosad (spinosyn A+D) [EPA registration number: 62719-314-7401]
• Safer Brand BioNEEM Multi-Purpose Insecticide and Repellent Concentrate [Organic]
  Active ingredient: azadirachtin [EPA registration number: 70051-6-42697]
• This list may not include all products registered for this use.

Additional Images