Improved on-farm management of Waratah bud and stem borer

Waratah bud and stem borer causes serious damage to commercially cultivated Waratah bushes.

The larval stage of the insect generally bores into the buds and stems of the plant.

Eggs are laid at the axillary region where the bracts are found when the new growth flush appears in early spring.

After hatching, the first instar larva bores into the stem in this region while the stem is still tender.

The larva remains in the tunnel and feeds from the inside, making the stem in this area hollow and weak.

As a result, the shoot can break at this point and a potential flower is lost.