budworm
/ˈbʌdˌwɜrm/
noun
- A caterpillar that feeds on the buds and leaves of plants, often damaging trees and crops.
- Budworms can destroy an entire season's growth if not controlled early.
- Gardeners watch for budworms in spring when the buds first appear.
- The farmer sprayed the orchard to protect it from budworm infestation.
Synonyms