Troublesome moth causes blueberry problems

17:32 7th May 2010

Brits have been warned that a troublesome insect could cause big issues with blueberry crops during 2010.

Horticulture Week revealed that the Farm Advisory Services Team has warned growers that the light-brown apple moth is set to be a big problem this year.

Consultant Rob Cook explained that the pest, also known as Epiphyas postvittana, is almost impossible to eradicate once it is established.

One of the main problems is that there are very few approved insecticides available to deal with the bugs and even fewer that are able to be used on blueberries.

"Larvae roll together leaves, buds, shoots and fruit clusters to make a webbing. They eat immature fruits before burrowing and hollowing out the berries," Mr Cook told Horticulture Week.

He added that the issue is becoming more widespread, with the number of Epiphyas postvittana growing rapidly over the past three or four years.

Meanwhile, gardeners can discuss this problem and any others they may have with the experts at the Royal Horticultural Society's Chelsea Flower Show, which takes place later this month.