Peach twig borer
(Anarsia lineatella)

Overview

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The species Anarsia lineatella is commonly known as the Peach Twig Borer, which is a common pest to crop production of apricots, cherries, peaches and plums. Damage often occurs in the early to mid-season, resulting in shoot damage - an undesirable branching of the fruit trees. At maturity, the fruit is highly susceptible when the larvae often enter the fruit at the stem end.

Main description

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The adult peach twig borer is gray in colour, long and narrow, and has a distinct snout. Immature larvae are white in colour with a distinct black head. As larvae mature they turn brown with an alternating dark and light band pattern. The mature larvae can reach up to 1 cm in length.

Scouting

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When scouting for the Peach Twig Borer it is important to start early in the season to ensure infestation levels do not get too high. Examine shoots prior to bud break and use pheromone baited traps to establish the number of adults per trap on a weekly basis.