Pear psylla

With bloom comes insects and the need for a pome insect management program. Start off strong before pests emerge to ensure optimal growth and fruit quality. Here are some tips about managing 2 pome fruit pests found in the Pacific Northwest.

Pear Psylla

Pear psylla is a notorious pest, damaging pear trees in several ways. Severe infestations can lead to defoliation and fruit drop. Each growth stage has recognizable features – their eggs look like grains of rice that start white, but turn to yellow and orange as they develop. Nymphs and adults produce honeydew that drips onto fruit which promotes sooty mold and can lead to russeting.

To control these populations, apply Minecto® Pro insecticide, which offers broad-spectrum control of common pome fruit pests, from petal fall through first cover.

Codling Moth

Codling moth is a troublesome pest for pome fruit, particularly apples. Larvae overwinter in cocoons hidden under loose tree bark. They emerge in the spring to feed on fruit, which leaves fruit unmarketable.

Overwintering populations typically emerge shortly after petal fall, laying eggs and initiating the first generation. Minecto Pro fits well into first generation codling moth control programs. This treatment harnesses the power of 2 complementary active ingredients, cyantraniliprole and abamectin, to control overlapping pest populations like pear psylla and codling moth.

Instituting a proper management plan now can help minimize insect problems. Used correctly and at the right times, insecticide applications can help improve orchard health year after year. Combine them with other orchard management practices and protect your pome fruits.

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