Pest on nectarine tree - Ask Extension
Hello, I would like some help identifying a pest discovered on a young Harko Nectarine tree. It seems the insects are climbing the trunk and eating t...
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Pest on nectarine tree #825030
Asked April 10, 2023, 1:41 PM EDT
Hello, I would like some help identifying a pest discovered on a young Harko Nectarine tree. It seems the insects are climbing the trunk and eating the blossoms. There appears to be hundreds of them on the tree. If you can identify and recommend any pest control solutions that would be very much appreciated!
Jackson County Oregon
Expert Response
At this time of year, with peach and nectarine trees in bloom, the tarnished plant bug, also called lygus bug, may feed on fruit and blossoms. Adults overwinter in groundcover, and later move into the canopy.
If your tree is near hay fields, weedy lots and uncultivated land it will attract these insects.
This website from the Pacific Northwest insect handbook has some suggests for cultural and biological controls, as well as chemical controls approved for home use.
As with all chemical controls, read and follow the label directions carefully.
If your tree is near hay fields, weedy lots and uncultivated land it will attract these insects.
This website from the Pacific Northwest insect handbook has some suggests for cultural and biological controls, as well as chemical controls approved for home use.
As with all chemical controls, read and follow the label directions carefully.
Hi,
Thank you for your response. If you take a look at the photo, it does not look anything like a tarnished plant bug. From my own research it appears to be a stonefly. I'm attaching the photo here. Most research online suggests these do not harm plants, but they are clearly eating the blossoms. Would be interested to get your thoughts on this.
Thank you,
Hillary
I reviewed my answer and my sources. I have a description from the University of Maryland that you can compare to your pest:
Tarnished plant bug adults are up to 1/4-inch in length and have a flattened oval appearance and a mottled brown color.
They are most active from the bloom stage (of peaches) to 5 to 10 weeks after bloom. They pierce and feed on blossoms (currently blooming in the Rogue Valley).
To protect your crop from this pest, control weeds around trees, especially wild mustard, a preferred host plant. (Starting to bloom locally.)
Stoneflies are water insects consuming algae, mosses, decaying vegetation. Stoneflies are not listed in the Pacific Northwest Pest Handbook, and are not a pest of home orchards.
This PNW website lists the insect pests of peaches and nectarines if you wish to explore other peach and nectarine pests.
Tarnished plant bug adults are up to 1/4-inch in length and have a flattened oval appearance and a mottled brown color.
They are most active from the bloom stage (of peaches) to 5 to 10 weeks after bloom. They pierce and feed on blossoms (currently blooming in the Rogue Valley).
To protect your crop from this pest, control weeds around trees, especially wild mustard, a preferred host plant. (Starting to bloom locally.)
Stoneflies are water insects consuming algae, mosses, decaying vegetation. Stoneflies are not listed in the Pacific Northwest Pest Handbook, and are not a pest of home orchards.
This PNW website lists the insect pests of peaches and nectarines if you wish to explore other peach and nectarine pests.
