Field Identification
Small tortricid whose larvae tunnel twig tips ('flags') of stone fruit and later bore fruit near the stem end—often confused with codling moth on apple but OFM shows the characteristic twig dieback first.
Adults are mottled gray; larvae are pink with a dark head. Multiple generations per year in warm regions; overwintering as mature larvae in silk cocoons under bark.
How to Deal With It
Organic Control Methods
Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki or spinosad timed to egg hatch on shoots; kaolin on young fruit reduces stings—reapply after rains.
Trichogramma releases target eggs in research and IPM blocks; Macrocentrus ancylivorus and other braconids parasitize larvae—preserve with selective timing.
Prune and destroy flagged shoots during spring; remove wild plum thickets near orchards; pheromone mating disruption works at adequate acreage blocks.
Tree bands can intercept some crawling larvae; corrugated cardboard wraps collect overwintering larvae for removal.
Hang pheromone traps for biofix; tie sprays to degree-day models instead of holidays.
Let Nature Handle It
Natural Enemies
- Macrocentrus ancylivorus
- Trichogramma spp.
- Predatory Beetles
Threat Map