Leaf roller larvae in fruit trees and blueberries - Ask Extension
Hi, I just noticed an outbreak of small green leaf-roller larvae with black heads heavily in my Asian pear trees and also in plum trees, cherry trees ...
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Leaf roller larvae in fruit trees and blueberries #178709
Asked May 02, 2014, 3:26 PM EDT
Hi, I just noticed an outbreak of small green leaf-roller larvae with black heads heavily in my Asian pear trees and also in plum trees, cherry trees and blueberries. With the blueberries in full bloom and fruits already forming on the fruit trees, what is the best way to control these pests safely (ideally organically).
Yamhill County Oregon
Expert Response
Good catch to notice these pests. The good news is that there is only one generation per year. You can hand pick the leaves and larvae and squish them. They can also be sprayed with the microbial insecticide Bacillus thuringiensis, or Bt. This is acceptable for organic practices. It is effective against the larval stage. It does not harm beneficial insects, birds, humans, or other organisms. I'm including a link to a University of California publication on leafrollers. The publication is very detailed and will help you make treatment decisions.
http://ucanr.edu/sites/sjcoeh/files/77086.pdf
Have a great gardening year.
http://ucanr.edu/sites/sjcoeh/files/77086.pdf
Have a great gardening year.
