Hello,

Those are boxwood psyllid nymphs, Cacopsylla busi (Hemiptera: Psyllidae).

The following was taken from the Pennsylvania State University website at:

http://woodypests.cas.psu.edu/FactSheets/InsectFactSheets/html/Boxwood_Psyllid.html

The Boxwood Psyllid, Cacopsylla busi (Linnaeus) occurs wherever boxwoods are grown. It causes the cupping of leaves and may affect twig growth, but the damage caused is purely aesthetic and not as destructive as other boxwood pests.

Plants Attacked: Boxwood psyllid is a common pest of all boxwoods but the American boxwood (Buxus sempervirens) is most susceptible.

Insect Identification: The small, orange eggs are laid between the bud scales with only the tip of the egg protruding past the edge of the scale. The nymphs are yellowish and covered in a white waxy exudate. The adults are light green with transparent wings and approximately 1/16 inch long.

Life History: This insect overwinters as a tiny, orange egg deposited in the bud scales. The eggs hatch in the spring when the buds of the host plant open. The nymphs immediately begin to feed and develop a white flocculent material over their bodies. Winged adults appear by early June. After mating, the female deposits her eggs between the bud scales of the host plant.

There is one generation each year in the Northeast.

Damage Symptoms: The nymph stage damages the host plant by feeding on newly developing foliage, causing the leaves to become cupped. This cupping conceals the psyllid, and provides protection while feeding. Damage to the host plant is purely aesthetic.

Management Options: Chemical: insecticides should be directed towards the nymphs in early May before leaf cupping occurs.

Sprays: Treat when young psyllids are present, in early May. Formulations of cyfluthrin (sold as Bayer Advanced Vegetable and Garden Spray), bifenthrin (sold as Ortho Bug B Gon) and carbaryl (sold as Sevin), insecticidal soap, and pyrethrins and piperonyl butoxide are labeled for psyllid management.

Systemics: Systemic insecticides like imidacloprid (sold as Bayer Tree and Shrub Insect Control) may be applied to the soil around boxwoods according to label directions. The insecticide is taken up by the roots and distributed throughout the plant in the sap. The application must be made in early April (2 to 4 weeks before the psyllids begin to feed). Watch for mite infestations when using these products.

Be sure to read and follow all instructions on the label before using any pesticide.

Application rate:

You will need 0.1 to 0.2 fl. oz. (3 to 6 mL) of a product with imidacloprid, such as Adonis 2F, per foot of shrub height or 0.1 to 0.2 fl oz per inch of trunk diameter for trees. The amount of water that is used will vary depending on soil conditions and volumes that are easy for applicators to use. The minimum amount of water that should be used is 1 pint per foot of shrub height (or inch of trunk diameter for trees) but you may use 1 quart -1 gallon of water per foot of height (or inch of trunk diameter for trees) as well. Denser soils such as clay do not accept water as readily, so the lower volume of water is suggested. Since sandy soils can accept more water, using the higher volume of water is preferred. After the soil drench has been applied you should water it in with at east 1/2 inch of water. Note: Water simply acts as a carrier and it is important that even distribution of the product is achieved. Thus, more water may be used if the applicator feels runoff will not occur and proper penetration of the root zone is achieved. Insecticides applied to the soil are taken up by the roots and translocated throughout the tree or shrub. Root/soil drenches offer the advantage of requiring no special equipment to apply (other than a bucket or watering can). However, surface layers of organic matter, such as mulch or leaf litter, can bind the insecticide and reduce uptake. Before applying drenches, it is important to remove or pull back any mulch or dead leaves so the insecticide solution is poured directly on the mineral soil. It is also important to keep the soil around the tree or shrub moist for the next 7-10 days after applications to encourage uptake. We also recommend using a product with an active ingredient that is different than the soil drench for a foliage application while you are waiting for the Adonis to translocate through the hedges.

Best regards,

Howard

On 05/24/2021 2:00 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote: