Native budworm

Helicoverpa punctigera

Larvae feed on the fruiting parts of plants and on the terminal growth, flowers and leaves
Yield loss occurs when larvae burrow into pods.
Feeding holes in pods are evident and parts or whole seeds are consumed, resulting in reduced yield and quality
Helicoverpa punctigera migrate from inland breeding areas into cropping areas in spring as their hosts dry off. The timing and size of these influxes can vary from season to season.

Native budworm eggs can be found singly on the growing tips and buds of plants. They are small (about 0.5 mm in diameter) but quite visible to the naked eye after close inspection of the plant.

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