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Royal Anne Cherry Pests. #800293

Asked July 09, 2022, 7:40 PM EDT

I have been hit by a pest that is curling leafs and lay larve in the fruit of the cherrys. I thought it was the drosophilia (sp) fly but this year it has changed to the leaf curl and beetles on the leafs. I have sprayed with the copper deterrent but not much much luck. Any help on how to combat this issue would be awesome.. I live in Sutherlin OR, and the tree is around 40 years old and was a 4-5 gallon cherry producing tree prior to this issue.. Please advise how I can help my tree!!! thanks Larry Dietz.

Douglas County Oregon

Expert Response

The culprit that causes cherry leaves to curl may not be a disease. The black cherry aphid (Myzus cerasi) is a tiny insect that feeds on the sap inside plant cells. As the aphids feed, they excrete a sticky substance called honeydew that coats the leaves and fruit, and the honeydew promotes the growth of black sooty mold. In high aphid infestations, feeding damage causes the leaves to curl.
If you notice aphids before the leaves begin to curl, you’ll stand a better chance of removing them. Simply direct a stream of water from your garden hose to knock them off your trees. However, if the leaves are already curling, streams of water won’t dislodge the aphids that are enveloped by the curled foliage.
Using pesticides labeled for use on aphids is one control option, but this method will harm honeybees. Insecticidal soaps will control aphids, but the challenge with this method lies in being able to apply the soap to all leaf surfaces, many of which are out of reach.

The lady bug may be feeding on the aphids.


Chris Rusch Replied July 12, 2022, 12:02 AM EDT

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