The pear sucker (Psylla pyricola) – pest management

pear sucker (Psylla pyricola) - pest management

The pear sucker, Psylla pyricola is a pest widespread in Europe and the United States.

Description. The adult has a body with a length of 2.5-3.5 mm. The summer forms have a light yellow head and chest, with orange spots, and the abdomen is green with brown spots and stripes on the back. The larva is yellow-brown. The egg is elliptical, white which after a few days, turns yellow-orange.

Biology and ecology

The pear sucker produces three generations per year. It overwinters in the adult stage, under the exfoliated bark of trees, in the cracks of old trees, or under fallen leaves. Adults leave the overwintering spots in the second half of March, or the first decade of April, which corresponds phenologically to the time of bud swelling. After a period of feeding, the female lays eggs on partially open buds, on shoots, then on leaves. The leaves on which eggs have been laid bend longitudinally, a symptom characteristic for this pest.

   
Attacked plants and damages. The main host plant is the pear tree. It also migrates to other fruit species such as apricots, plums, apples, or forest trees. The larvae from the first generation attack the newly formed leaves and the young shoots. Due to the attack, the leaves stagnate, twist, and due to the infection with sooty mold, burns and necrotic spots appear on the leaves. The attacked leaves dry out and fall partially or completely. The attack on the shoots determines their bending and wilting. The wood does not mature and it does not last over the winter.


Control. Chemical treatments are performed, after receiving a warning, with specific insecticides.

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The pear sucker (Psylla pyricola) – pest management
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