Treatment
There are several ways to manage infestations of the Leaf Roller caterpillars. Since there can be three or more generations of the butterfly in a single season, re-treatment should be anticipated.
- If the infestation is light, then affected leaves can be cut off and destroyed or unrolled and cleaned (removing the caterpillar). It is not wise to compost infected leaves, burning is the surest way to avoid re-infection.
- If there is extensive damage, a further measure to consider is Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) which is sold in the USA under various trade names including Dipel and Bio-Worm Killer. Applied as a spray, particular care should be taken to ensure that the underside of the leaves is wet. After applying BT the caterpillars will stop feeding on the leaves, although it may take them a day or two to expire. If BT is applied early enough in the growth of the caterpillars, little damage to the leaves will be evident.
- Another alternative is to apply a systemic insecticide in a foliar spray (i.e. Orthene). When applying systemic insecticides by spraying, careful attention should be given to food and herb crops planted in the immediate vicinity to prevent over-spray or drift of the insecticide.
- A further treatment option to consider is a carbaryl insecticide such as Sevin. Applied as a liquid, Sevin can help manage the infestation of many varieties of insects, unfortunately including beneficial ones.
- Finally, the gardener can try applying a fertilizer with Disulfoton, such as Bayer Advanced Garden 2-in-1 Systemic Rose & Flower Care. This serves to both feed and protect for a period of many weeks.
If using any of the chemical options, then consult the label for dosage rates and safety precautions. Alternating between the treatment options for management of the Leaf Roller caterpillars can help to spare beneficial insects. Alternating insecticides also prevents insects from building up resistance to any one particular method.
Read more about this topic: Canna Leaf Roller
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