Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Rosaceae. The larvae sometimes cause damage
to the leaves and blossoms of orchard trees such
as apple, cherry, pear and plum; they may also
bore into the young shoots, causing the tips to
wilt and die.
Hedya pruniana (Hiibner)
Plum tortrix moth
This pest is essentially similar to the previous
species but is associated mainly with Prunus
(especially P. spinosa), including cultivated
plum. Larvae cause damage in the spring to the
leaves and shoots. Adults (14-18 mm wingspan)
are slightly smaller than those of Hedya
dimidioalba and the background colour of each
forewing is distinctly white (Fig. 295b). Larvae
(up to 18 mm long) are bright green with the
head, prothoracic plate, pinacula and thoracic
legs black.
BIOLOGY
Adults occur in June and July. Eggs are
deposited mainly on the underside of leaves of
host plants and hatch in about 2 weeks. The lar-
vae feed for a short time during the summer
but then spin cocoons (e.g. in bark crevices)
within which to overwinter. Activity is re-
sumed in the spring. The larvae then attack the
buds, blossom trusses and young leaves, often
spinning leaves together with silk. Pupation
takes place in late May or June, either within
the larval habitation or between freshly spun
leaves.
Lobesia botrana (Denis & Schiffermiiller)
European vine moth
This species is an important pest of grape vines in
southern Europe. Larvae destroy flower buds
and, sometimes, cause the death of complete in-
florescences; later in the season, larvae damage
or destroy the developing grapes. Moulds often
develop on the damaged tissue, which can lead to
additional problems.
DESCRIPTION
Adult 15-21 mm wingspan; forewings ochre-
ous-white, suffused with black, blue and grey
markings (Fig. 295a). Larva up to 20 mm
long; body olive-green to dark green; pinacula
black; head, prothoracic plate, thoracic legs,
anal plate and anal comb black or brownish-
black.
BIOLOGY
Adults of this species emerge in late April or
early May. Eggs are laid mainly on flower buds
and hatch a week or so later. Larvae of the first
generation feed within the flower buds and may
also burrow into peduncles. Pupation occurs in
the larval habitation, moths of the next genera-
tion appearing in about a week. Development of
the second generation is often very rapid and, if
conditions are particularly favourable, there may
be further generations. The winter is passed in
the pupal stage, within cocoons spun under bark,
in cracks on supporting posts and in other shel-
tered situations.
DESCRIPTION
Adult 15-20 mm wingspan; forewings creamish-
white, with a variegated pattern of reddish-
brown and blackish markings; hindwings dark
brownish-grey (female) or whitish-grey (male).
Larva up to 9 mm long; body greyish-green or
Fig. 295 Forewings of Hedya: (a) marbled orchard
tortrix moth, H. dimidioalba; (b) plum tortrix moth,
H. pruniana (x6).
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