Southeastern Apple Production
ENTOMOLOGY
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Southeastern Apple ProductionENTOMOLOGY |
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Adult variegated leafrollers (VLR) are 1/2 inch long, triangular, reddish moths with pronounced mouthparts extending beyond the head. A U-shaped line extends across the center of the wings. Full-grown larvae are about 3/4 inch long and light brown to tan. Pupae are light brown, and eggs are laid on leaves in masses similar to tufted apple bud moth.
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 Larva |
VLR larvae overwinter on the orchard floor, then pupate and emerge as adults in late April. Eggs are laid from late May to June. First generation larvae primarily feed on foliage (though some larger larvae may feed on fruit by July). After pupating, these adults lay eggs which develop into second generation larvae that may attack fruit from August to September.
Damage appears the same as tufted apple bud moth. Larvae may skeletonize the underside of leaves close to the midrib, folding and webbing the leaf together. When larvae feed on the fruit surface, they often protect the feeding site with a web or leaf that is webbed to the apple. Larvae may also attack the cavities at the calyx and stem ends as well as the places where two fruit touch.
VLR is usually not a major pest and unless an orchard has a history of damage, it is doubtful that special precautions need to be taken. New apple sucker growth and broadleaf weeds are important food sources in the spring, so maintain a clean orchard floor to minimize VLR populations.
Insect and Mite Management Overview
Insect and Mite Index
Southeastern Apple Production
Mountain
Horticultural Crops Research & Extension
Center
455 Research Drive
Mills River, NC 28759
Phone: 828.684.3562 ~ Fax: 828.684.8715
Email: jim_walgenbach@ncsu.edu
Web Crafters: Anne S. Napier and
Steve Schoof
Email:
steve_schoof@ncsu.edu
Updated March 13, 2007