Plum Moth
Overview
Plum moth is an important fruit pest of plums and related stone fruit.
Larvae feed inside fruit, causing: - internal damage - gumming - fruit drop - secondary rots
Main host crop
Identification
Typical signs include:
- premature fruit drop
- small entry holes
- gumming on fruit
- larval feeding inside fruit
- brown internal damage
Risk conditions
| Condition | Risk |
|---|---|
| Warm summer weather | High |
| Unremoved damaged fruit | Moderate–High |
| Dense canopy | Moderate |
| Poor monitoring | High |
Monitoring
Use:
- pheromone traps
- fruit inspections
- dropped fruit checks
IPM approach
Useful strategies:
- monitor moth activity
- remove damaged fruit
- reduce fallen fruit
- maintain orchard hygiene
- improve canopy airflow
Key message
Plum moth control depends on monitoring and removing damaged or fallen fruit before it contributes to carryover.