Strawberry leafrollers (tortix), Ancylis comptana (Froelich)
(Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)
Description:
Adults are small, bell-shaped tortricid moths that are rust-brown
in
color with markings of light yellow on the wings (see UC Davis
site for
photo of adult http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/r734500311.html)
. Adults have a wing span of approximately 12 mm. The slender
larvae
are nearly 1/2 inch long when mature. Larvae are slender, have
light
green-brown bodies and reach just over 12 mm when fully grown.
Biology and damage:
Strawberry leafrollers are common pests in the eastern half of
the
United States. The insect has several, usually 2-3 generations per
year. Adults emerge in early April to May and deposit tny eggs on
the
foliage. Hatching occurs in about 1 wk, and the larvae complete
their
development in 40 to 59 days. Damage results from larvae feeding
on
leaves and rolling the leaves by means of silk webbing. Once
enclosed
in the rolled leaf, larvae continue to feed. Some leafrollers may
consume whole leaf tissue. Leaf feeding results in reduced runner
formation, interference with ripening fruit, and plant kill.
Strawberries are quite tolerant of the leaf feeding species and
can
support high population levels without economic loss.
Management:
CHEMICAL CONTROL
Virginia Commercial Small Fruit recommendations (html
and pdf)
(see 5th
cover strawberries)
BIOLOGICAL CONTROL:
Strawberry leafroller has a large complex of parasites that play
a
major role in lowering pest populations.
CULTURAL CONTROL:
In areas with a chronic leafroller problem, it may be feasible
to
remove accumulated trash in spring around
the plants with either blowers or suction devices to limit the
potential for a large population buildup (UC-Davis).