Loopers
Several different looper species can damage apples and pears, including apple looper (Phrissogonus laticostata); pome loopers (Chloroclystis testulata and C. approximata) and green looper (Chrysodeixis eriosoma). They are in all growing regions in NSW.
Pest identification
Looper larvae are greyish-white, green or pale brown and can be mottled or striped. Some loopers will have green larvae with faint white lines running along their body. Most looper larvae will grow to about 40 mm long and move with the characteristic looping of the body.
Damage
Loopers feed on the fruit surface, causing superficial damage that usually develops into a russet scab or lump, which is similar to, but smaller than, the damage caused by budworms (Helicoverpa spp.).
Monitoring
Adult looper moths begin to emerge from late September to October. Monitoring should occur then, paying particular attention to the foliage and young fruitlets. Feeding will usually occur early morning and late afternoon. This time is ideal for monitoring loopers.
Management
Cultural and physical: controlling broadleaf weeds in the orchard might help reduce the potential for looper infestation.
Biological: Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a bacterium for effective biological control of loopers, affecting the caterpillar stage.
Chemical: refer to the Orchard plant protection guide for chemical suggestions.
