Peach: Leafrollers
Photo by: A.L. Antonelli
Biology
appearance but and fruittree leafrollers may feed on peach. The larvae may feed on leaves or buds, or cause surface damage on young fruit.
Fruittree leafrollers are pale to dark green with a shiny black head, and measure about 3⁄4″ long at maturity. The pandemis leafroller larva is similar in appearance but has a light-colored head. Typical symptoms of leafroller feeding include leaves that are rolled and tied in place with webbing and fruit with shallow surface damage. The caterpillars are active when disturbed, wiggling vigorously or dropping to the ground on a thread.
The adult moths are 1⁄2″ to 3⁄4″ long. The adult fruittree leafroller moth is mottled tan and brown. The pandemis adult is light tan with darker bands on the wings.
Management Options
See "Using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in the Landscape" for successful problem management techniques.
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: Always read and follow label directions when working with pesticides.
For more information on using pesticides visit :
- See label for minimum time to harvest.
- Apply just after petal fall, only if leafrollers are too numerous to physically destroy.
- 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.
- Best applied when caterpillars are small and before leaves are rolled, just after petal drop.
Approved Pesticides
If you choose to use a pesticide, some examples of products that are legal in Washington are listed below. Some products are labeled for just INDOOR or just OUTDOOR use, or may allow both uses. Be sure to choose a product appropriate for your situation. Always read and follow all label directions.
Additional Images
Photo by: S.M. Fitzpatrick and J.T. Troubridge
Photo by: J.F. Brunner
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Evidence of noncompliance may be reported through your local Extension office.