Oriental Fruit Moth

Oriental Fruit Moth

The Oriental fruit moth was first reported in the USA in 1916 and it rapidly spread throughout that country. It was first reported in Ontario in 1925. British Columbia remains the only commercial fruit-growing area of North America which is free of this pest.

Oriental fruit moth larva

Oriental fruit moth larva feeding on a peach.
Photo courtesy OMAFRA. Adult oriental fruit moth.
Photo courtesy OMAFRA.

Appearance:

Oriental fruit moth has not yet been found in B.C., however the larvae and damage can be confused with that of known pests. Damage to shoots is similar to that of the peach twig borer. Oriental fruit moth larvae are grayish white or pinkish in colour with a brown (young) or black (mature) head; peach twig borer larvae are brown with white ring-like segments. Oriental fruit moth larvae closely resemble codling moth larvae in appearance, size, and damage to peaches. Body length: Adult - 7.0mm; Mature larva - 11.0mm.

Life Cycle:

Oriental fruit moth overwinters on or near the host as mature larvae, and pupates in the spring. The first adult brood emerges in early May. Larval broods are present June, late July, early September and October (overwintering brood). There may be up to four generations per year.

Monitoring:

A pheromone is available to monitor male moths.
Inspect new spring growth for larvae or feeding damage.
Inspect growing tips and fruit for subsequent larval broods.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency carries out annual pheromone trapping in production areas to maintain B.C.'s pest free status.

Hosts:

Mainly peach, but also plum, cherry, apple and pear.

Nursery Stock Movement within Canada:

Prunus, Pyrus, Malus, Cydonia, Chaenomeles and Crataegus: All species, hybrids and varieties plus fruit and seed of apricot, nectarine, peach, plum and quince from any country or province of Canada where Oriental Fruit Moth occurs requires fumigation prior to entry into British Columbia (CFIA directive D-87-29).

Further Information:

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