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How to Manage Pests

UC Pest Management Guidelines

| More pests | More crops | About guidelines |

Peachtree borer, location of infestation on tree.

Peach

Peachtree Borer

Scientific name: Synanthedon exitiosa

(Reviewed 3/06, updated 9/06)

In this Guideline:

DESCRIPTION OF THE PEST

Gum exuding from around the base of the trunk is evidence of peachtree borer. Larvae of the peachtree borer, found mainly in coastal areas and in the northern San Joaquin Valley, are white with brown heads. Adults are clear-winged moths with blue-black bodies having yellow or orange bands across the abdomen. The adult peachtree borer may be found from June to September, with larvae present in the tree the rest of the year. There is only one generation each year.

DAMAGE

This wood-boring insect can successfully attack healthy trees. The larval stage bores into the crown and trunk of the tree and mines the cambial layer. If this occurs for several years, the tree may eventually become girdled and die.

MANAGEMENT

Apply insecticides when adults emerge to help control peachtree borer adults. Pheromone traps are available to monitor adult emergence.

Common name Amount to Use** P.H.I.+
(trade name) (conc.) (dilute) (days)
The following materials are listed in order of usefulness in an IPM program, taking into account efficacy, impact on natural enemies and honey bees, and impact of the timing on beneficials. When choosing a pesticide, also consider information relating to environmental impact. Not all registered pesticides are listed. Always read label of product being used.
 
A. ESFENVALERATE*
  (Asana XL) 4.8–14.5 fl oz 2–5.8 fl oz 14
  MODE OF ACTION: A pyrethroid (Group 3)1 insecticide.
  COMMENTS: Apply as a directed trunk and scaffold limb spray. Thorough coverage of trunk and scaffolds is required.
 
B. MATING DISRUPTANT#
  (Isomate-P Pheromone) Label rates  
  COMMENTS: While not tested in California, mating disruption has been used in the eastern U.S.
 
 
**  For dilute applications, rate is per 100 gal water to be applied in 300-500 gal water/acre, according to label; for concentrate applications, use 80-100 gal water/acre, or lower if the label allows.
+ Preharvest interval. Do not apply within this many days of harvest.
* Permit required from county agricultural commissioner for purchase or use.
# Acceptable for use on organically grown produce.
1 Modes of action are important in preventing the development of resistance to pesticides. Rotate chemicals with a different mode-of-action group number, and do not use products with the same mode-of-action group number more than twice per season. For example, the organophosphates have a group number of 1B; chemicals with a 1B group number should be alternated with chemicals that have a group number other than 1B. Mode of action is assigned by IRAC (Insecticide Resistance Action Committee). For additional information, see their Web site at http://www.irac-online.org/.

[Precautions]

PUBLICATION

[UC Peer Reviewed]

UC IPM Pest Management Guidelines: Peach
UC ANR Publication 3454
Insects and Mites
C. Pickel, UC IPM Program, Sutter/Yuba counties
W. J. Bentley, UC IPM Program, Kearney Agricultural Center, Parlier
J. K. Hasey, UC Cooperative Extension, Sutter/Yuba counties
K. R. Day, UC Cooperative Extension, Tulare Co.
Acknowledgment for contributions to the insects and mites section:
R. E. Rice, Kearney Agricultural Center, Parlier

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Statewide IPM Program, Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California
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For noncommercial purposes only, any Web site may link directly to this page. FOR ALL OTHER USES or more information, read Legal Notices. Unfortunately, we cannot provide individual solutions to specific pest problems. See How to manage pests, or in the U.S., contact your local Cooperative Extension office for assistance. /PMG/r602301211.html revised: September 23, 2009. Contact webmaster.