Knowledgebase

17 year cicada damage to fruit orchard #379050

Asked December 05, 2016, 11:09 AM EST

This cottony "fungi" appeared on my Granny Smith apple tree and black cherry tree after the cicadas eggs hatched. What is this called and how can I treat the trees to minimize the damage. Thank you - you guys are great... Sandy

Westmoreland County Pennsylvania

Expert Response

It may be that a fungus entered the wounds made by the cicadas laying their eggs. I recommend you send a sample to the Penn State plant clinic to get a positive identification. You will get a complete analysis and a recommended treatment. You can take it to your local Penn State Extension office or mail it directly to the plant clinic. Here is a link to the plant clinic website and a link to your extension office.
Here is a link to a fact sheet on cicada damage to fruit trees.
An Ask Extension Expert Replied December 06, 2016, 3:30 PM EST
We happened to look at your question and photos. What you have on your apple and cherry is actually an insect called a woolly apple aphid. There is evidence of cicada damage on the twigs from egg laying but it is just coincidental that the woolly apple aphids appear there also. Please see the following information
http://extension.umd.edu/hgic/woolly-aphids-trees-and-shrubs

dr

Loading ...