Ornamental Plum: Leaf curl plum aphid

• Categories: Ornamental Plum Ornamental Plum Insects Ornamental trees Ornamentals
• Last review date: 2026-08-29 08:19

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

• 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

If you choose to use a pesticide, some examples of products that are legal in Washington are listed below. Some products are labeled for just INDOOR or just OUTDOOR use, or may allow both uses. Be sure to choose a product appropriate for your situation. Always read and follow all label directions.

• Hi-Yield Dormant Spray
  Active ingredient: Paraffinc oil
  EPA registration number: 7401-428
• R-T-U Year-Round Spray Oil
  Active ingredient: mineral oil
  EPA registration number: 6218-78
• Safer Brand Insect Killing Soap Concentrate II [Organic]
  Active ingredient: potassium salts of fatty acid
  EPA registration number: 42697-60
• Azera Gardening [Organic]
  Active ingredient: azadirachtin, pyrethrins
  EPA registration number: 1021-1872
• This list may not include all products registered for this use.