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IPM Scouting in Stone Fruits

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Oriental fruit moth - Grapholitha molesta (Busck)
IPM scouting in stone fruits > oriental fruit moth
From May through July, Oriental fruit moth (OFM) larvae enter twig terminals and consume 2-6 inches of the central shoot. These twigs can be identified by the presence of one or more wilted leaves, called “flagging.” OFM larvae also feed directly on the fruit. Feeding and larval entry into immature fruit are associated with a gum exudate at the entry hole that darkens with time.

Larvae typically, but not always, enter mature fruit at the stem end leaving frass at the entry hole. After tunneling through the fruit, mature larvae usually exit through the side, leaving an exit hole marked by frass. Three full generations occur in Michigan, and sometimes a partial fourth.
Oriental fruit moth
Adults are about 5 mm long, and gray with wavy, light lines on wing surface.
OFM larvae Larval entry in fruit
OFM larvae enter twig terminals and consume 2-6 inches of the central shoot Larval entry into mature fruit is associated with frass at the entry hole
   
Mature larva Mature OFM
Mature larva is about 10 mm long, creamy-white to pink, with a brown head capsule and an anal comb located ventrally at the posterior end. The comb can be seen with a hand lens. Mature OFM larvae have an anal comb located ventrally at the posterior end. The comb (left) can be seen with a hand lens.
Monitoring: Use 1 trap per 10 acres to deter-mine biofix for each generation. Time treatments using the degree day model below.
Oriental Fruit Moth Degree Day Model
The following OFM degree day model provides the predicted egg hatch time periods for all three generations of OFM. Please note that this model is base 45. Treatment thresholds based on trap catch, as with codling moth, have not yet been developed. Where warranted, first control measures should be timed for the beginning of egg hatch for each generation. Where necessary, additional control measures should be applied according to the expected residual effect of the chosen control material.
Oriental Fruit Moth Degree Day Model
View current Michigan growing degree day accumulations at Enviro-weather. Select a weather station from the map that is closest to your location. Then click on "fruit" for a list of weather resources and models for fruit production.
Additional information
This information was developed from A Pocket Guide for IPM Scouting in Stone Fruits by David Epstein, Larry J. Gut, Alan L. Jones and Kimberly Maxson-Stein. Purchase this in a pocket-sized guide for reference in the orchard from MSU Extension (publication E-2840).
The MSU IPM Program maintains this site as an access point to pest management information at MSU. The IPM Program is administered within the Department of Entomology, fueled by research from the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station, delivered to citizens through MSU Extension, and proud to be a part of Project GREEEN.
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Updated 7/24/07