Currant sawfly Macrophya ribis

The currant sawfly (lat. Macrophya ribis) is an insect belonging to the order Hymenoptera and the family Tenthredinidae. This species is recognized as a specific pest that primarily targets berry bushes, making it a significant concern for both amateur gardeners and commercial growers.

The primary hosts for this pest are species of the genus Ribes, specifically black, red, and white currants. Occasionally, the sawfly may cause damage to related plants within the Grossulariaceae family, particularly when large populations are present in the immediate vicinity of host plants.

The biology of Macrophya ribis is synchronized with the growth stages of the currant bush. Adult females emerge during the flowering period to lay eggs within the leaf tissues. The larvae undergo several molts as they feed, eventually dropping to the ground to pupate. The life cycle is typically univoltine, meaning one generation per year, which dictates the timing of control interventions.

The damage caused by this pest is primarily associated with the feeding behavior of its larvae. As they grow, they consume leaf tissue, often causing severe skeletonization. In cases of high infestation, entire bushes can be stripped of their foliage in a short period. This extensive defoliation compromises the plant's photosynthetic capacity, resulting in poor fruit development and reduced winter hardiness.

Effective management strategies against Macrophya ribis require a well-timed approach:

• Early detection of larvae through regular scouting of foliage.
• Cultivation of the soil under the bushes in late autumn to disrupt pupal overwintering.
• Mechanical removal of larvae if the infestation is localized.
• Application of approved insecticides or biological control agents when larvae are young and most susceptible to treatment.