Plum, Prune (Fresh): Fruittree leafroller

categories: Plum, Prune (fresh) Plum, Prune (Fresh) Insects Tree Fruits

revision date: 2022-12-05 12:00

Greenish leafroller larva with brown head.
Greenish leafroller larva with brown head
Photo by: K. Grey

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 are leaves that are rolled and tied in place with webbing, but surface damage on the fruit is more common on prune, pear, and apricot. The caterpillars are active when disturbed, wiggling vigorously or dropping to the ground on a thread. Larvae are mature by the end of May, and adults may be found from early June through mid-August. The adult moth is 1⁄2″ to 3⁄4″ long and mottled tan and brown.

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.

  • Apply spinosad just after 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.

Additional Images