Lesser plum moth

The Lesser plum moth (Grapholita prunivora) is a specialized agricultural pest belonging to the order Lepidoptera and the family Tortricidae. It is widely recognized as a significant threat to stone fruit production, primarily causing damage during the fruit development stage in various temperate climate regions.

The pest primarily targets fruit trees belonging to the genus Prunus. This includes cultivated varieties of plums, damsons, peaches, cherries, and sour cherries. Host plants suffer both from direct fruit damage and potential developmental issues caused by larval feeding on young shoots in some instances.

The life cycle of the moth typically involves four distinct stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The insect usually overwinters as a mature larva inside a silken cocoon hidden under loose bark or in soil crevices. During the spring, after the pupal phase, the adult moths emerge to mate and lay eggs on the surface of developing fruitlets.

The primary damage is caused by the larvae, which bore into the fruit shortly after hatching. They create tunnels through the flesh, often feeding near the pit. This activity not only compromises the quality of the fruit but also triggers premature ripening and fruit drop. Infested fruits are highly susceptible to secondary fungal infections and rotting.

Effective management strategies for the Lesser plum moth include:

• Monitoring population levels using pheromone traps placed throughout the orchard.
• Maintaining clean orchard hygiene, including the removal and destruction of fallen fruit (mummies).
• Scraping and removing rough bark from tree trunks to eliminate overwintering sites.
• Implementing targeted insecticide applications synchronized with egg-laying and larval emergence periods.