Larval tunnels are shallow with frequent openings to the outer bark, where red frass accumulates. The larvae can't bore into the cambium unless a wound of some sort is present. Because most of the tart cherries in New York are mechanically harvested, APB has become the major borer pest in some orchards in the Lake Ontario fruit growing region. In Michigan, directed trunk sprays are recommended in cherries at petal fall, when first generation adults are emerging. Flight phenology in New York is similar.
Adults begin to emerge during bloom and the flight peaks around petal fall or shortly thereafter.
Amercian plum borer adult Lorsban 4E used for lesser peachtree borers at petal fall will provide control against any APB that may be present. Results of New York field trials indicate that if APB number just a few per tree on average, this single application at petal fall would probably be adequate, given the economic constraints of tart cherry production. Under conditions of more severe pressure, a second application around the beginning of August would be warranted against the second generation larvae. This would also correspond with the timing for the last of the season's peachtree borer sprays. A new fact sheet on American Plum Borer, published by the New York State IPM Program, is now available.