Pest Management - Growing Organic Orchard Fruits - page 550

Cutworms

A number of pests fall under the category of cutworms, including Bertha
armyworm, spotted cutworm, and variegated cutworm. These lepidopterous
pests are night-flying moths that overwinter as pupae in the soil and emerge
in early spring. The larvae range from ⁄ 4 to 1 inch in length and curl up

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when disturbed. They feed on foliage and fruit at night. It is important to use
predators and parasites to control cutworm populations, but sporadic out-
breaks of the pests can occur. Codling moth management programs should
also control these pests. Insecticides of choice include neem products, Bacil-
lus thuringiensis , and spinosad products.

Eyespotted Bud Moth

Eyespotted bud moth is a minor pest for apple, cherry, pear, and plum trees.
The adults are small, brown moths, and the larvae are small, brown caterpil-
lars that feed in buds, twigs, unfolding leaves, and young fruits. The leaves
may be folded over. It is not usually necessary to control them, but this pest
will be controlled by codling moth and Oriental fruit moth programs.

Fruitworms, Leaf Rollers, and Loopers

Many similar pests fall under the category of fruit worms (see box on page
394 ➔ ). Although they are different species, they are all moth (lepidopter-
ous) pests that are biologically similar and can be controlled with the same
practices. Some of these pests overwinter as eggs and others as mature lar-
vae. Feeding begins as early as prebloom and can result in deeply scarred
fruit. The most common symptoms include partially eaten and rolled leaves
and larvae feeding on and in the fruits. Programs to control codling moth
should also control most fruitworms and leaf rollers. Bacillus thuringiensis ,
spinosad products, and Surround are all important parts of a control pro-
gram.