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How to Manage Pests
UC Pest Management Guidelines
Olive
Branch and Twig Borer
Scientific Name: Melalgus (=Polycaon) confertus
(Reviewed 1/08,
updated 1/08)
In this Guideline:
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The branch and twig
borer adult is a 0.3 to 0.6 inch (7–15 mm) long beetle, mostly black with brown
wing covers. The C-shaped, white larvae are covered with fine hair. There is
one generation per year.
Adults bore small, round holes at the base of buds or axils of twigs
injured by sunburn. Eggs are laid at these locations in early May and grubs
bore into the heartwood, where they live for a year or more. Twigs break at
location of the injury.
Madrone, oak, and grape are the preferred hosts; olive damage may occur when
trees are located next to these sources.
Prune out and burn infested wood. Prevent sunburn and other injury that
predisposes trees to damage.
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UC IPM Pest Management Guidelines: Olive
UC ANR Publication 3452
Insects and Mites
F. G. Zalom, Entomology, UC Davis
P. M. Vossen, UC Cooperative Extension, Sonoma Co.
R. A. Van Steenwyk, Insect Biology, UC Berkeley
Acknowledgment for contributions to the insects and mites section:
G. S. Sibbett, UC Cooperative Extension, Tulare Co.
L. Ferguson, Pomology, UC Davis
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