Blueberry leafroller

Systematic position. The blueberry leafroller (Ancylis angustifasciana) belongs to the order Lepidoptera and the family Tortricidae. It is recognized as a significant pest affecting various shrubs of the Ericaceae family, particularly in forest and plantation settings.

Host plants and damage. The primary hosts include wild blueberries (Vaccinium myrtillus) and cultivated highbush blueberries. Larvae typically feed on the underside of leaves and roll them into characteristic tubes or clusters held together by silk. This feeding causes necrotic spots, leaf curling, and overall photosynthetic reduction.

Biology and life cycle. The pest undergoes a complete metamorphosis. They typically overwinter as larvae or pupae within leaf litter or the topsoil layer. Adults emerge in spring to mate and lay eggs on the leaves. The larvae go through several instars, causing progressively more damage to the foliage as they grow throughout the season.

Economic impact. The leafroller's impact is observed through both direct loss of foliage and potential contamination of berries. Intense infestations lead to stunted plant growth, reduced fruit set, and decreased hardiness of the shrubs against environmental stresses like frost or drought.

Control measures. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is essential for effective control:

• Cultural practices such as removing leaf debris in autumn to destroy overwintering sites.
• Use of pheromone traps to monitor adult flight and timing of insecticide application.
• Application of selective insecticides during the early larval stages when they are most vulnerable.
• Promoting natural predators and parasitoids within the plantation to keep populations under the economic threshold.