Oriental fruit moth
(Grapholitha molesta)

Overview

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The insect Grapholitha molesta is usually known as the Oriental Fruit Moth and is a common pest to peach orchards. The oriental fruit moth overwinters on or near its host as mature larvae, and pupates in the spring. The larvae damage developing shoots and fruit. Feeding on shoots kills the tip of the shoot, causing typical shoot strikes or flagging. However, the most severe damage occurs when larvae feed on fruit, causing it to be rated off-grade.

Main description

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The oriental fruit moth larvae are grayish-white or pinkish in colour with a brown (young) or black (mature) head. Oriental fruit moth larvae closely resemble codling moth larvae, but the oriental fruit moth has an anal comb, where the codling moth does not. The mature larvae can reach up to 1.0-1.5 cm in length.

Scouting

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Monitoring for the presence of oriental fruit moth is critical as the species can be easily disrupted through the use of pheromone traps. Pheromone traps, however, must be timed appropriately to actually interfere with mating. Once first moth is detected it in the field, it is necessary to immediately place the mating disruption pheromone dispenser.