Leaf Roller Damage

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31321, 17 March 1967, Page 6

Leaf Roller Damage

Just now the majority of pip and stone fruits are ripening and many varieties will be handled. It will not be difficult to notice pests and disease. One particular injury that may be noticed is a rasped or channeled skin surface of the fruit, in particular of apples and pears. Frequently, too, leaves will be found stuck to it or elsewhere tightly rolled up and covered with webbing. Symptoms similar to these may be found on a wide range of fruiting and ornamental subjects such as apples, citrus, plums, conifers, hebes and camellias. It is the work of a caterpillar, of the species of tortrix moths commonly given the name of leaf rollers. This caterpillar sticks the leaves together by means of silken threads and when disturbed often attempts to escape by rapidly lowering itself to the ground on similar threads. Apart from advertising its presence as already mentioned, this pest obtains shelter and protection from the rolled leaves from which it makes its forays, rasping and chewing leaves, fruits and terminal growths. Two or three generations emerge during the year and the final generation overwinters as caterpillars mostly on evergreen plants. In some years this pest can cause a great deal of damage and control is very necessary where infestation is at all marked. Where but a few are noticed hand collecting or pinching of stuck together leaves will be adequate. If this is not practicable or prevalence of leaf rollers is too great, spraying is the only remedy. Arsenate of lead, D.D.D. or carbaryl are suitable means of control. D.D.T. does not afford sufficient control.