Strawberry: Leafrollers
categories: Small Fruits Strawberry Strawberry Insects
revision date: 2023-04-12 12:00
Photo by: S.M. Fitzpatrick and J.T. Troubridge
Biology
Several species of leafrollers can occur on strawberry. The caterpillars are typically light to dark green with light or dark heads, and are about 3⁄4″ long at maturity. Typical symptoms of leafroller feeding include damaged buds and leaves that are rolled and tied with webbing. Some species may also cause damage to fruit by tunneling into berries. The larvae typically produce large amounts of webbing on the plants. Leafroller caterpillars are often active when disturbed, wiggling vigorously or dropping to the ground on a thread. The larvae of many species overwinter in webbed leaves on the plants. 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. Plants easily tolerate some damage from leafrollers, which are seldom serious pests on strawberry.
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.
- Clean up leaf debris on and under plants.
- Encourage natural enemies of caterpillars including birds, parasitic wasps and flies, and predaceous 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 when there are more than two larvae per plant.
- Apply Bt only when caterpillars are feeding.
- Use a spreader-sticker with liquid Bt formulations.
Approved Pesticides
Listed below are examples of pesticides that are legal in Washington. Always read and follow all label directions.
Additional Images
Photo by: Unknown
Photo by: J.F. Brunner