Adoxophyes cyrtosema

Systematic position. Adoxophyes cyrtosema is a species of moth belonging to the order Lepidoptera and the family Tortricidae. This pest is a well-known leafroller that poses a threat to various horticultural crops, particularly in regions with favorable climatic conditions for its multi-generational development.

Host plants. The primary hosts for Adoxophyes cyrtosema include various rosaceous fruit trees. Commercial orchards of apples and pears are most frequently affected. In addition, the pest can establish populations on stone fruits like peaches and plums, as well as on certain ornamental trees, which can act as reservoirs for further infestations.

Biology and lifecycle. The lifecycle of this moth consists of the egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages. The female moth deposits eggs in masses on the dorsal surface of leaves. Upon hatching, the larvae go through several instars. The duration of the lifecycle is heavily influenced by ambient temperature, allowing for multiple generations within a single growing season.

Nature of damage and harmfulness. The larvae are responsible for the damage, as they spin silk webs to roll or tie leaves together, forming protective shelters. Within these structures, they feed on leaf tissue, leading to photosynthesis reduction. Furthermore, larvae often feed on the surface of young fruits, causing scarring and deformities that significantly diminish the market value of the crop.

Protection measures. Effective control relies on an integrated pest management (IPM) approach:

• Monitoring population density using pheromone traps to time interventions.
• Cultural practices such as pruning and destroying infested shoots to reduce larvae population.
• Application of biological control agents, such as Bacillus thuringiensis, during the early larval stages.
• Use of selective insecticides if thresholds for economic injury are exceeded to minimize the impact on beneficial insects.