Raspberry bud moth

The raspberry bud moth (Lampronia corticella) is a member of the order Lepidoptera, belonging to the family Prodoxidae. This pest is a common threat to bramble crops, specifically targeting raspberry and blackberry plantations by feeding on developing buds and flowers.

The life cycle is univoltine, meaning there is only one generation produced per year. Larvae overwinter in small white cocoons tucked deep within the bark crevices near the base of the canes. As temperatures rise in early spring, they emerge to infest the swelling buds.

The damage caused by the larvae is most critical during the early growth stages. They tunnel into the buds, hollowing them out, which prevents the development of leaves and side shoots. If the infestation is severe, it can significantly reduce the potential fruit yield of the entire plant.

After emerging as adults, the moths lay eggs directly into the flowers. The resulting larvae feed briefly on the developing fruit before migrating back to the lower parts of the canes to create wintering cocoons, thus completing their annual cycle.

• Pruning and destroying infested canes during late winter or early spring.
• Monitoring for bud damage at the green tip stage.
• Applying contact insecticides during the larval emergence period.
• Maintaining soil sanitation to reduce overwintering sites for the larvae.