Strawberry tortrix

The strawberry tortrix (Acleris comariana) is a moth species belonging to the Tortricidae family within the order Lepidoptera. It is a recognized agricultural pest, particularly problematic in regions where strawberries and other berry fruits are cultivated on a commercial scale.

Host plants for this species include members of the Rosaceae family. While it is primarily associated with garden strawberries (fragaria), it also infests raspberries and various fruit-bearing trees. This broad host range allows the pest to persist in gardens even when specific crops are absent.

The biological development of this insect typically consists of two generations per year. The eggs overwinter on the foliage. Upon hatching, the larvae (caterpillars) begin to feed on the tender tissues of the leaves, buds, and young berries, showing intense activity during the flowering phase of the host plant.

The primary symptom of infestation is the characteristic rolling or webbing of leaves, which the larvae use for protection while feeding. This causes significant foliage damage, stunts plant growth, and destroys reproductive parts, leading to reduced yields and inferior quality of the harvested fruit.

Control strategies must be integrated, focusing on both cultural and chemical methods. Pruning infested leaves and maintaining good sanitation practices are essential. Chemical control, when necessary, should be applied during the early larval stages, ensuring that the selection of pesticides does not harm beneficial pollinators.

• Regular field scouting during early spring.
• Hand-picking and destroying webbed leaves.
• Promoting natural predators like parasitic wasps.
• Using targeted chemical sprays before blooming.