Growers warned on fruit pest

Growers are being warned about the increasing presence of the Light Brown Apple Moth in vineyards and orchards in the UK.

Epiphyas Postvittana can attack more than 250 types of fruit and vegetables in the larval stage of growth.

The fruits primarily at threat from this pest in the UK are apples, grapes, cherries and plums.

Alison Tod, orchard and vines product manager at Exosect, said: “Recent results from New Zealand have shown a five to 20 per cent crop yield loss in vines as a result of the presence of the Light Brown Apple Moth, so it is definitely something we need to manage.

“Further trials are being undertaken in New Zealand and Australia in apples and vines where the pest is prolific. In California, a Federal Programme that at one time included the aerial application of pheromones, is attempting to eradicate the pest without success. In England, the Light Brown Apple Moth is already established as a pest in outdoor and glasshouse crops and is being increasingly reported in grape and cherry plantations.”