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How to Manage Pests

Pests in Gardens and Landscapes

Raspberry crown borer: Pennisetia marginata

Crown borer larvae have whitish bodies with brown heads. They can be up to 1 inch long. Adults are clear-winged moths with black and yellow bands on their bodies.

Life cycle

Damage

Plants affected by crown borers lack vigor, and portions of the plant may be stunted and weakened. The lateral growth wilts in spring and the entire cane may later die. Cutting open lower canes or the crown area reveals worms tunneling through the plant tissue.

Solutions

Keep plants properly irrigated and vigorous, since borers are attracted to stressed plants. Prune out and destroy infested shoots and canes.

Raspberry crown borer adult
Raspberry crown borer adult

Tunneling through plant tissue by larvae
Tunneling through plant tissue by larvae

Statewide IPM Program, Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California
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