Crops Affected: Apple, peach, pear

States Affected: All states

Life Cycle: Small larvae overwinter in trees, becoming active as trees exit dormancy. Their development concludes around three weeks post-apple blossom. Pupae typically reside in rolled leaves on the tree. Adult emergence begins in late May or early June, and eggs hatch in 10 to 12 days. This generation spans nearly two months for full development. The second generation's adult flight occurs in August, with eggs hatching in August and September. These young larvae create hibernation sites on twigs or bark, where they endure the winter months.

Damage: There are three feeding phases annually. Overwintered larvae initially consume developing flower buds and floral parts during the blossom period. Post-petal fall, they shift to feeding on emerging fruit. Summer-hatched first-generation larvae move to and feed on tender growing terminals, water sprouts, or developing fruit. Older larvae will cause fruit damage. Second-generation larvae, developing in late summer and fall, primarily feed on leaves but occasionally cause fruit damage as well. Fruit injuries manifest as deep depressions, evolving into rough, russeted surfaces by harvest. This damage may be mistaken for that caused by flower thrips.

Season to Trap: May to September

How To Use: Hang trap with lure inside at shoulder height near at risk or affected crops. Replace lures every 30 days through the season, and replace traps when 70% saturated. Adult males are attracted to the pheromones in the lure and the color of the traps in this kit. Once they land on the sticky trap, they become ensnared, never to mate or lay eggs again.

Additional IPM Solutions: Avoid practices that destroy or disrupt native beneficial insects. Time sprays with larval activity, starting with bloom to control overwintered larvae.