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How to Manage Pests

UC Pest Management Guidelines

| More pests | More crops | About guidelines |

Speckled green fruitworm larva feeding on leaf.

Cherry

Green Fruitworms

Scientific Names:
Orthosia hibisci, Amphipyra pyramidoides, Xylomyges curialis, and others

(Reviewed 4/06, updated 4/06)

In this Guideline:

DESCRIPTION OF THE PESTS

Larvae are pale green, often with whitish stripes down each side of the body and a narrow stripe down the middle of the back. The adult of one common species is a grayish moth with a 1-inch wingspan. Most species overwinter as pupae (except Amphipyra, which overwinters in the egg state). All species have one generation each year, but because egg hatch occurs over a long period, all sizes of larvae may be present at the same time.

DAMAGE

Larvae eat large holes in young leaves and fruit. Fruit damage usually begins after petal fall.

MANAGEMENT

Dormant treatments and bloomtime applications for other pests help keep fruitworm populations under control. However, regular monitoring each season is important so that prompt action can be taken if damaging populations develop.

Biological Control
Certain parasitic wasps (Apanteles, Eulophus, Meteorus, and Ophion spp.) help keep green fruitworm populations under control.

Organically Acceptable Methods
Sprays of Bacillus thuringiensis and the Entrust formulation of spinosad are acceptable for use on an organically certified crop.

Monitoring and Treatment Decisions
Check the orchard in early spring for presence of larvae and feeding damage. When larval damage is evident in the orchard, apply an insecticide shortly after petal fall.

Common name Amount to Use** P.H.I.+
(trade name) (conc.) (dilute) (days)
The following materials are listed in order of usefulness in an IPM program, taking into account efficacy and impact on natural enemies and honey bees. When choosing a pesticide, also consider information relating to environmental impact.
 
A. BACILLUS THURINGIENSIS ssp. KURSTAKI#
  (various products) Label rates 0
  MODE OF ACTION: A microbial (Group 11.B2)1 insecticide.
  COMMENTS: Is not harmful to beneficial insects. A slow-acting stomach poison that is most effective when caterpillars are small. Make 2 applications during bloom: the first at early bloom and the second 7–10 days later, but no later than petal fall. Compatible with fungicide sprays. Good coverage is essential.
 
B. SPINOSAD
  (Entrust)# 1.71–2.5 oz 0.43–0.6 oz 7
  (Success) 6–8 oz 1.5–2 oz 7
  MODE OF ACTION: A microbial (Group 5)1 insecticide.
  COMMENTS: Most effective when applied at petal fall. This product is toxic to bees for 3 hours following treatment; apply in late evening after bees have stopped foraging. Do not apply more than 29 oz/acre/year of Success or 9 oz/acre/year of Entrust.
 
C. DIAZINON* 50WP 3 lb 1 lb 21
  MODE OF ACTION: An organophosphate (Group 1B)1 insecticide.
  COMMENTS: Avoid drift and tailwater runoff into surface waters. Where cherries are grown adjacent to waterways, do not use this material. Where cherries are grown adjacent to waterways, do not use this material.
 
 
**  For concentrate applications, use the amount given in 80–100 gal water/acre, or lower if the label allows; for dilute applications, amount is per 100 gal water to be applied in 300–400 gal water/acre, according to label.
+ Preharvest interval. Do not apply within this many days of harvest.
* Permit required from county agricultural commissioner for purchase or use.
# Acceptable for organically grown produce.
1 Modes of action are important in preventing the development of resistance to pesticides. Rotate chemicals with a different mode-of-action group number, and do not use products with the same mode-of-action group number more than twice per season. For example, the organophosphates have a group number of 1B; chemicals with a 1B group number should be alternated with chemicals that have a group number other than 1B. Mode of action is assigned by IRAC (Insecticide Resistance Action Committee). For additional information, see their Web site at http://www.irac-online.org/.

[Precautions]

PUBLICATION

[UC Peer Reviewed]

UC IPM Pest Management Guidelines: Cherry
UC ANR Publication 3440
Insects and Mites
R. A. Van Steenwyk, Insect Biology, UC Berkeley
K. M. Daane, Kearney Agricultural Center, Parlier
J. A. Grant, UC Cooperative Extension, San Joaquin County

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Statewide IPM Program, Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California
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For noncommercial purposes only, any Web site may link directly to this page. FOR ALL OTHER USES or more information, read Legal Notices. Unfortunately, we cannot provide individual solutions to specific pest problems. See How to manage pests, or in the U.S., contact your local Cooperative Extension office for assistance. /PMG/r105300311.html revised: April 18, 2006. Contact webmaster.