Pear: Pear psylla
categories: Pear Pear Insects Tree Fruits
revision date: 2024-06-05 02:07
Biology
The brownish-gray adult pear psylla is about 1⁄10″ long, with clear wings held rooflike over the body. The wings may have a smoky gray spot halfway along the inner margin. The red-eyed nymphs range in color from yellow to dark brown, depending on age. Pear psylla nymphs feed on leaves, preferring succulent new growth in the upper portions of the canopy. Damaged leaves may be blackened or burned in appearance. Psylla feeding produces large amounts of honeydew, a sweet, sticky material which causes russeting when it drips onto fruit. Honeydew may attract ants and often becomes covered with a growth of dark sooty mold. Psylla feeding can cause reduced vigor of trees, stunting, and fruit loss. The pear psylla spreads the organism which causes pear decline.
Management Options
Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for successful plant problem management.
Non-chemical Management
Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!
- Several insect predators including green lacewings, ladybird beetles, and predaceous bugs help control pear psylla populations. Avoid use of broad-spectrum insecticides which kill beneficial insects.
- Provide proper culture to prevent susceptible flushes of succulent growth. Prune lightly, supply moderate amounts of nitrogen, and remove water sprouts and suckers.
Chemical Management
IMPORTANT: Visit Home and Garden Fact Sheets for more information on using pesticides.
- Apply oil products during the delayed-dormant season.
- Apply kaolin clay, insecticidal soap, or neem during the growing season as populations begin to build.
- As with other oil-based products, care should be taken in timing insecticide applications to early morning/late evening to minimize the potential for leaf burn during hot weather.
- 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
Listed below are examples of pesticides that are legal in Washington. Always read and follow all label directions.