If you have eucalyptus trees, you might have noticed white, crusty growth on the leaves. Or maybe you saw a sticky, blackened mess of fallen leaves under a eucalyptus tree. These are signs of the redgum lerp psyllid, one of the most common psyllid pests that damages eucalyptus trees in California.
The adult psyllid is very small and as nymphs, they are concealed under a waxy cap, or lerp. As they feed, they excrete honeydew which can lead to the growth of black sooty mold, the source of those sticky leaves under the tree.
Although under biological control in coastal areas, this pest is still a problem under some growing conditions and on specific Eucalyptus species. Cultural practices to manage lerp psyllids, such as avoiding fertilization of eucalyptus trees and pruning only when and where needed, can help reduce lerp psyllid problems.
The newly revised and expanded Pest Notes: Eucalyptus Redgum Lerp Psyllid, authored by entomologists Timothy D. Paine, UC Riverside; Kent M. Daane, UC Berkeley and UC ANR Kearney Agricultural Research and Education Center; Steve H. Dreistadt, UC IPM Program; and Raymond J. Gill, California Department of Food and Agriculture, contains detailed information about the identification, biology, and management of this pest.
This revision has more information about the lerp psyllid's biology and damage they cause on eucalyptus, a list of eucalyptus trees resistant to this pest, and an expanded section on biocontrol, with detailed information about the imported parasitic wasp that only attacks redgum lerp psyllid.
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- Author: Karey Windbiel-Rojas
The redhumped caterpillar is a familiar pest of fruit and nut trees such as plum, almond, cherry, and apple, as well as ornamental trees like liquidambar and birch. These caterpillars can reach high populations in our area, sometimes defoliating entire branches or entire trees.
The newly revised Pest Notes: Redhumped Caterpillar, authored by Area IPM Advisor Emily Symmes and Steve Dreistadt, UC Statewide IPM Program, describes the pest, its life cycle, and how the insect damages plants. The peer-reviewed publication also describes management techniques, including use of insectary plants, cultural controls, and biological control.
The newly revised Pest Notes: Redhumped Caterpillar, authored by Emily Symmes, UC IPM and UC Cooperative Extension, Sacramento Valley and Steve Dreistadt, UC Statewide IPM Program, describes the pest, its life cycle, and how the insect damages plants. The peer-reviewed publication also describes management techniques, including use of insectary plants, cultural controls, and biological control.
The book's 435 pages present the practical experience and research-based advice of more than 100 University of California (UC) and industry experts, including:
• Pest-resistant plants and landscape design:
• Planting, irrigating, and other cultural practices that keep plants healthy:
• Conserving natural enemies to biologically control pests:
• Efficient monitoring so you know when to act:
• Selective pesticides and when their use may be warranted:
• Numerous references to regularly-updated, online guides with more pesticide choices and the latest IPM practices:
Inside you'll find: :
• 575 high-quality, color photographs to help you recognize the causes of plant damage and identify pests and their natural enemies. 140 more than the previous edition! :
• 101 line drawings and charts of pest biology and control techniques:
• Problem-solving tables to help you diagnose the pests and maladies of more than 200 genera of alphabetically-listed trees and shrubs
Also in the 3rd Edition are dozens of newly added pests, including those affecting azaleas, camellias, hibiscus, camphor, eucalyptus, liquidambar, oaks, maples, palms, pines, olive, roses, and sycamores.
"Outstanding resource for maintaining healthy, woody ornamental plants through IPM. " -- International Society of Arboriculture
To order your copy, visit the University of California ANR catalog.
In the recently revised Pest Note Biological Control and Natural Enemies of Invertebrates, authored by Steve Dreistadt of the UC Statewide IPM Program, you can learn more about how natural enemies are an important component of any integrated pest management program and how you can identify, encourage, and protect beneficials in your garden and landscape.