Pale apple leafroller

Insect

Pale apple leafroller

Pseudexentera mali Freeman

Lepidoptera: Tortricidae

Distribution: NS, QC and ON south to NY, OH, and probably other temperate eastern states.


The adult is elongated and dull gray (A). The larva is creamy white with an amber head, which turns black in the penultimate instar (B).

  • Crops Affected: apples

    Damage

    Attacks apple mainly. Larvae eat and fold leaves (C) to create a shelter, where they hide. They also tunnel in the buds.

    Management

    This insect causes few problems. When necessary, use broad-spectrum insecticides (which can simultaneously be used against the plum curculio) or selective insecticides (Bacillus thuringiensis and insect growth regulators).