Obliquebanded Leafroller

Obliquebanded leafroller adult

Obliquebanded leafroller adult

The obliquebanded leafroller (OBLR) became an important pest of apples in NY during the mid-1970s, after develping resistance to commonly used insecticides, and is now a major pest throughout most temperate apple production regions.  Early season damage from overwintering larvae feeding on fruit and flower clusters is not economically significant.  The most serious injury from overwintering larvae occurs just prior to and shortly after petal fall, when the developing fruit is damaged.  Many of these damaged fruits drop prematurely, but a small percentage remain on the tree, exhibiting deep corky scars and indentations at harvest.  Larvae from all broods roll leaves into shelters and feed on surrounding foliage.  The first summer brood larvae feed on the surface of developing fruit in late July and early August and cause superficial scarring on the fruit, ranging from tiny “pin-prick holes” to large excavations on the fruit’s surface.

OBLR larva

Obliquebanded leafroller larva

We have conducted research on several aspects of OBLR biology and management, including sampling and monitoring studies, potential use of pheromones for mating disruption, and use of selective reduced-risk insecticides for control.

Publications & Resources

Late-season fruit damage caused by OBLR larvae

Late-season fruit damage caused by OBLR larvae

Comments are closed