What are the control methods for the peach tree peach moth?

This insect is also known as the apricot star caterpillar and the plum moth, commonly called the red-bellied worm. Its larvae damage the buds, flowers and young leaves of peach trees. Affected peach trees not only suffer yield losses, but also decline in vigor, and in severe cases the entire tree can die. This insect mainly damages peach, plum, apricot and plum, and also harms pear and persimmon trees. It is mainly distributed in North China and Northwest China, and in recent years it has gradually spread in the Yangtze River basin, with worsening damage.

[Occurrence pattern]

One generation occurs per year. It overwinters as young larvae on buds or in cracks in the trunk, and begins activity again in early March of the following year, damaging flower seedlings and young buds. From late April to mid-to-late May, the overwintering larvae mature and pupate, with the pupal stage lasting about 2 weeks. From mid-to-late May to early-to-mid June to early June it begins to occur, with the peak period in late June; after damaging for a period, it disperses to oversummer and overwinter.

[Control methods]

(1) Advantage can be taken of the adult's weak flying ability and long mating time by organizing manpower to capture and kill them.

(2) In early March, when the overwintering larvae begin activity, and in late June, the peak hatching period of the larvae, spray 50% fenitrothion emulsion 1000x dilution, or 90% crystalline trichlorfon 800x dilution, or 20% fenvalerate emulsion 3000x dilution, or 30% acephate emulsion 500x dilution 1-2 times, which has a good insecticidal effect.

(3) During the dormant period of the fruit trees, spray 80% dichlorvos emulsifiable concentrate or 25% quinalphos emulsifiable concentrate 200x dilution on pruning cuts, saw cuts and bark cracks to eliminate overwintering larvae.