Notes on Current and Gooseberry
Insects
Imported currantworm (currant sawfly)
Identification
Adult sawflies are nearly the size of a housefly, stout bodied with a
dark head and thorax, and red-yellow abdomens. Sawflies are not actually
flies but belong to a group of wasps. The term "sawfly" refers
to the saw-like ovipositor, the structure used to insert eggs into plant
material, on the female wasp. The larvae are green worms, similar in appearance
to a caterpillar and blend in well with currant foliage.
Period of activity
Adults are active in May and June when they lay eggs on the underside
of currant leaves. The larvae appear in great numbers at the green fruit
stage and devour foliage just before fruit ripens. Bushes can be completely
defoliated. The larvae pupate in the leaf litter. There are two generations
each year, although only the first causes significant damage.
Monitoring
Check for signs of leaf feeding twice weekly as fruit develop. Gooseberries
are especially susceptible..
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