Apple Sawfly
Overview
Apple sawfly is an early-season apple pest associated with blossom and young fruit development.
Larvae damage young fruitlets and can cause fruit drop.
Main host crop
Symptoms
Typical signs include:
- scars on young fruitlets
- ribbon-like surface damage
- fruitlet drop
- internal larval feeding
Risk conditions
| Condition | Risk |
|---|---|
| Blossom period | High |
| Warm spring weather | Moderate–High |
| Historic orchard pressure | High |
| Poor blossom monitoring | High |
Monitoring
Inspect:
- blossom clusters
- young fruitlets
- early fruit drop
IPM approach
Useful strategies:
- monitor during blossom
- inspect young fruit
- reduce carryover where possible
- maintain orchard biodiversity and natural enemies
Key message
Apple sawfly is mainly a blossom and early fruit-set pest, so timing of monitoring is critical.