Pear Psylla
Scientific Name
Cacopsylla pyricola
Description
Pear Psylla are tiny, sap-sucking insects that infest pear trees, causing leaf yellowing, curling, and the secretion of sticky honeydew that can promote sooty mold.
Characteristics
These insects are less than 2 mm long, with a mottled appearance. Their piercing-sucking mouthparts leave behind characteristic stippling on leaves and can lead to reduced fruit quality over time.
Control Methods
- Organic sprays: Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil during early infestation to deter feeding.
- Cultural practices: Remove heavily infested leaves and practice crop rotation to minimize population buildup.
- Preventive methods: Maintain orchard hygiene and balanced fertilization to keep trees vigorous; monitor regularly for early infestations.
- Biological controls: Encourage predators like ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps that feed on psylla.
- Mechanical physical: Deploy sticky traps and use targeted pruning to reduce psylla habitats.
Natural Enemies
- Ladybugs
- Lacewings
- Parasitic Wasps