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Insects on Cherry Tree Leaves #832926

Asked May 31, 2023, 12:04 PM EDT

Some leaves on our sour cherry tree have many small black bugs that we haven't been able to identify. They seem to mostly be on new growth. There's not obvious feeding damage, but there are a lot of them. Should we be concerned, and if so, how should we treat? Thanks

Hennepin County Minnesota

Expert Response

After some more research, I think these are aphids? There are a lot of ants on the tree too.

Last week we started spraying spinosad for fruit flies. It sounds like that might be bad for controlling the aphids, by keeping their predators away.

The Question Asker Replied May 31, 2023, 12:32 PM EDT

It looks like you have Black Cherry Aphids. 

There are many aphids that will feed on cherry trees. Biological control is basically just spraying them off. Unfortunately we havent had any rain to do this for us so I recommend getting out your hose and spraying them off. Any insect ice will also kill beneficial insects that are feeding on them. 

https://pnwhandbooks.org/insect/tree-fruit/cherry/cherry-black-cherry-aphid

https://extension.umn.edu/fruit/growing-stone-fruits-home-garden

Deb Reierson Replied June 01, 2023, 11:03 AM EDT

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