The Oriental fruit moth (Grapholita molesta) is an insect species that belongs to the Tortricidae family. It is a small moth native to East Asia, particularly China and Japan. Also known as the peach moth or the Oriental peach moth, it is widely considered a significant pest of various stone fruits, including peaches, nectarines, apricots, plums, and cherries.
The adult Oriental fruit moth has a wingspan of about 10 to 15 millimeters, with a characteristic combination of gray, tan, and brown colors. The moth lays its eggs primarily on the leaves, flowers, or fruit surface of the host plant. The emerging larvae, often referred to as caterpillars, have a cream color with a brown head capsule, and they bore into the fruit, causing extensive damage.
The Oriental fruit moth larvae feed mainly on the young fruit, creating tunnels and galleries within, which leads to premature dropping, fruit rot, susceptibility to secondary infections, and reduced crop yield. They overwinter as larvae inside hibernating tunnels or in protected areas, such as bark crevices or leaf litter, and emerge as adults in spring or early summer to begin the cycle anew.
Given the economic impact of the Oriental fruit moth on stone fruit crops worldwide, it is an important target for pest management strategies. Integrated pest management techniques, including the use of synthetic insecticides, biological control agents, pheromone-based traps, and cultural practices like sanitation and pruning, are employed to reduce infestations and limit the damage caused by this pest.
