Leafroller

Common: Filbert Leafroller, Fruittree Leafroller, Red-Banded Leafroller, Oblique-banded Leafroller

Scientific: Archips rosanus, Archips argyrospila, Argyrotaenia velutinana, Choristorenra rosaceana

Crop Hosts: Nearly all kinds of deciduous fruits and many forest trees.

Identification and Life Cycle: The overwintering fruit tree leafroller eggs are closely plastered on the twigs and covered with a smooth varnish-like coating that protects them. In the spring the eggs hatch. The young worms crawl and feed on the leaves for about a month. The mature 3/4-inch long, pale green larvae pupate within the folded or rolled leaves. The mottled moths emerge, mate and lay eggs; these overwinter. There is one generation.

The red-banded species overwinters as a pupa and there can be two or three generations, depending upon region.

Geographical Distribution: Fruittree leafroller is distributed in all apple growing areas in the United States. The red-banded species is found only in the eastern areas. Oblique-banded and Filbert species are primarily found in western areas.

Damage and Treatment: The larvae eat the foliage and attack newly formed apples/fruit. At picking time the apples have deep scars. Fruit trees can be defoliated with fruit injury concentrated on the areas that touch the leaves. Filbert leafroller feeds on young fruit buds which are severely damaged or cut off.

Treatment should be made when insect populations and/or damage levels reach economic thresholds. Refer to local University Extension Pest Management Guidelines for specific state thresholds.