UC IPM: UC Management Guidelines for Peachtree Borer on Plum

UC Pest Management Guidelines

Plum

Peachtree Borer

Scientific name: Synanthedon exitiosa

(Reviewed 5/06, updated 5/06)

In this Guideline:

Description of the pest
Damage
Management

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.

ESFENVALERATE*

(Asana XL)

4.8–14.5 fl oz

2–5.8 fl oz

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.

ENDOSULFAN*

2.66–3.33 qt

1 qt

(Thionex) EC

MODE OF ACTION: An organochlorine (Group 2A)¹ insecticide.

COMMENTS: Apply with a hand spray gun to tree trunk from juncture of main scaffold limbs to soil line. Cover trunk thoroughly using enough liquid so it runs off to form a small puddle at base of tree. Two treatments are necessary to span the long emergence period of this insect in California. Make the first in mid-May, the second in mid-July. Hoe around trees to remove weeds or sucker growth that might interfere with spray coverage. Clear away any excess soil piled against tree during discing operations.

**	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.
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/.

UC IPM Pest Management Guidelines: Plum
UC ANR Publication 3462
Insects and Mites
W. J. Bentley, UC IPM Program, Kearney Agricultural Center, Parlier
K. R. Day, UC Cooperative Extension, Tulare County
Acknowledgment for contributions to the insects and mites section:
R. E. Rice, Kearney Agricultural Center, Parlier

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