This pest is also known as plum moth. He feels at home in plums, damsons or mirabelle plums. In the event of a severe infestation by this vermin, the harvest is at risk. We explain the background and control methods.
key data
The plum maggot is known under the term plum moth. In the spring, the female moths lay their eggs on the small fruits. Position one piece for each plum. The second generation repeats this process between July and August.
As soon as the maggot hatches, it nests inside the fruit. The pulp serves as a sweet nutritional basis for the pest.
- Colour: orange-yellow
- Hibernation: in fruit mummies
- plums soiled with feces
Recognize
An infestation can be seen through holes in the fruit skin. The unripe plums quickly turn purple. Shortly thereafter, they fall to the ground.
Treat
As soon as you notice a pest infestation, all fruits with holes should be removed. This includes specimens that have fallen or are still hanging. This will prevent the second generation from spreading. Household waste is preferred.
Notice:
Infested fruit should not be disposed of in the compost. There is a risk of progressive spread and transmission to other trees.
In addition, specialist retailers offer special maggot traps. These are based on a natural principle and are free of toxins. Using sex attractants, male moths get lost on the sticky surfaces. In this way, local eradication of these takes place. The traps hang directly in the trees. There are no insecticides against plum maggots.
Prevent
Alternatively, we recommend installing bird boxes on plum trees. Songbirds are among the natural predators of the plum maggot.
Tip:
Remove the fruit mummies. The maggots hibernate in these.
The plum moths lay their eggs near the plum tree. Corrugated cardboard can be wrapped around the log for this purpose. Discarded maggots are to be disposed of with household waste. Only use this method in dry weather. After rain the cardboard has to be replaced.
tips and tricks
Strong plum trees protect themselves from pest infestations and diseases. A suitable location is the best prerequisite for healthy growth.
FT