Ornamental Plum: Leaf curl plum aphid
categories: Ornamental Plum Ornamental Plum Insects Ornamental trees Ornamentals
last review date: 2025-06-29 10:45
Photo by: R.D. Akre
Biology
The leaf curl plum aphid is typically pale green to yellow in color during the summer and darker green to brown later in the year.
The aphids overwinter as eggs on plum and prune trees, then may migrate to various summer hosts or remain on the plum trees.
Feeding by the leaf curl plum aphid causes severe curling of leaves on plum.
Management Options
See "Using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in the Landscape" for successful problem management techniques.
Non-chemical Management
Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!
- Wash aphids from plants with a strong stream of water.
- Remove aphids by hand (when practical) to control small infestations.
- Natural predators and parasites, including ladybird beetles, lacewings, and parasitic wasps, help control aphid populations.
- Control honeydew-feeding ants, which may protect aphid colonies.
- Provide proper nutrition. High levels of nitrogen in the foliage encourage aphid reproduction. Switch to a slow-release or low-nitrogen fertilizer.
Chemical Management
IMPORTANT: Visit Home and Garden Fact Sheets for more information on using pesticides.
- Applications must be made early and before leaves curl.
- Apply oils in early spring before bud swell.
- Homeowners should not make foliar applications to trees over 10 ft tall.
- Consult a commercial pesticide applicator for treatment of trees and shrubs over 10 ft. tall.
Approved Pesticides
Examples of pesticides that are legal for home use in Washington State are listed below.
The list may not include all products registered for this use.
Additional Images
Photo by: K. Grey
Photo by: K. Grey
Photo by: K. Grey
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Evidence of noncompliance may be reported through your local Extension office.