Aspila (Grapholita) prunivora
Pest description and crop damage This tortricid pest is closely related to and has characteristics similar to Oriental fruit moth. The larvae feed inside the fruit, often entering through the calyx end.
Biology and life history The lesser appleworm prefers host plants in the rose family including crabapples, hawthorn, wild rose and others. It overwinters as mature larvae (measuring less than 0.4 inch long) at the base of host plants or under bark scales. The adults begin to emerge in April, and females lay eggs on leaves or the fruit surface. The larvae feed on the fruit for about three weeks, and then pupate at the base of the tree or under bark scales. Second-generation adults appear in late spring. These adults also lay eggs on the fruit. Late in the season, mature larvae spin cocoons to overwinter.
Management-chemical control: HOME USE
- carbaryl-Highly toxic to bees.
- esfenvalerate-Highly toxic to bees.
- gamma-cyhalothrin-Highly toxic to bees.
- kaolin-Applied as a spray to leaves, stems, and fruit, it acts as a repellant to some insect pests. Some formulations are OMRI-listed for organic use.
- lambda-cyhalothrin-Highly toxic to bees.
- zeta-cypermethrin-Highly toxic to bees.
Management-chemical control: COMMERCIAL USE
Lesser appleworm is not currently a problem in commercial orchards in the PNW.