plum fruit moth

Symptoms

Small entry hole on fruit surface near stem-end or shoulder, brown frass + gummy ooze around exit hole, internal tunnel through flesh to stone (cut fruit to see), pinkish-white larva visible inside (1-1.5cm at full size), affected fruit ripens prematurely + drops.

Plants affected

• European plum

Common questions

How do I recognise plum fruit moth on European plum?

Small entry hole on fruit surface near stem-end or shoulder, brown frass + gummy ooze around exit hole, internal tunnel through flesh to stone (cut fruit to see), pinkish-white larva visible inside (1-1.5cm at full size), affected fruit ripens prematurely + drops.

Do I have to report plum fruit moth?

No. plum fruit moth is not a notifiable organism, so there is nothing to report to an authority. Treat it as a normal garden problem.

How is plum fruit moth treated?

Mainly with biological and cultural measures — removing affected material, changing the conditions that favour it, and treating with agents approved in your country. The exact steps and their timing depend on the plant, the season and where you live: Dr. Phyto works them out in a free diagnosis.