Q How do I know my tree has been attacked by plum moth?

A Plum fruits contain a pale-pink, brown-headed caterpillar that feeds within the fruit, leaving tunnels filled with droppings and encouraging the formation of resin-like material on the outside of the fruit. Infested fruits ripen prematurely and usually have a distinctly flattened area on the fruit's surface where the larva has left the fruit once it has finished feeding.

Caption: Fruits affected by plum moth have caterpillars inside

Q What can I do if my tree has been attacked by plum moth?

A The tree's vigour will not be affected, but regular feeding, mulching and watering will help to encourage it to crop well the following year.

Q How can I prevent plum moth?

A Remove infested fruits promptly and bin or burn them before the caterpillar leaves the fruit to overwinter under loose flakes of bark. Use plum-moth-pheromone traps from late May to late August to disrupt mating and so reduce the quantity of caterpillars.

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