What’s the best way to defeat plum moth?
QHow can I get rid of plum moth? Terry Slade, Calne, Wiltshire
ACaterpillars of plum moth can ruin the entire fruit crop. Adult moths are active from June into July. Newly-hatched caterpillars tunnel into fruits, where the pinkish larvae, just over 1cm (½in) long, do extensive damage. When fully-fed, they overwinter inside cocoons under loose bark.
Grease bands prevent the wingless winter moths from laying eggs which hatch into caterpillars that eat the foliage. Pheromone traps are not really designed to control plum moth, but are hung in trees in May to trap male moths and indicate the optimum time to spray. This is about the middle of June, with a second application three weeks later.
Suitable products include Provado Ultra Fruit & Vegetable Bug Killer and ‘Resolva Bug Killer’.