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Budworms (Choristoneura & Heliothis spp.)
Budworms are the larvae of several moth species that bore into buds and developing fruit of ornamentals, tobacco, tomatoes, and other crops, causing significant damage before feeding becomes visible externally. On ornamental plants like geraniums and petunias, they destroy flower buds before they can open. They can be difficult to control because of their concealed feeding habits and resistance to some pesticides. Targeted applications of residual insecticides or biological controls during early larval emergence provide the best results.