Red-banded leafroller

The Red-banded leafroller (Argyrotaenia velutinana) is a significant insect pest belonging to the order Lepidoptera and the family Tortricidae. It is a well-documented species that poses a continuous threat to fruit production in North America, known for its ability to damage a wide variety of commercial crops.

This pest is highly polyphagous, meaning it feeds on a broad range of host plants. It primarily affects pome fruits such as apples and pears, as well as stone fruits like peaches, plums, and cherries. Additionally, it has been recorded on various small fruits, including grapes and raspberries, as well as numerous ornamental tree species.

The life cycle of this moth includes four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Depending on local temperature conditions, it can complete multiple generations per year. The insect typically overwinters as a pupa within leaf litter or protected areas on the bark of trees, which is a critical factor when planning early-season integrated pest management programs.

The damage caused by the larvae is twofold: they initially feed on leaves by creating silken shelters, and as they mature, they move to the developing fruit. By feeding on the skin of the fruit, they create shallow, irregular scars. While the damage is often superficial, it renders the produce unmarketable and creates entry points for brown rot and other fungal diseases.

Effective management requires a multi-faceted strategy. Growers utilize pheromone traps to monitor adult flight activity, ensuring that insecticides are applied during the most vulnerable larval stages. Biological control options, such as using selective insecticides or releasing parasitoid wasps, have proven successful in reducing population density while maintaining beneficial insect populations in the orchard.