Lesser Peachtree Borer

The lesser peachtree borer is similar to the peachtree borer, but differs in that the moths emerge over a longer period over the summer. It causes serious damage to stone fruit trees such as peach, cherry, plum, apricot, and nectarine. It primarily attacks older trees and affects the limbs, branches, and trunk.

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Appearance:

• Adult is a clear-winged, metallic-blue both with at least two yellow bands across the abdomen (similar to a wasp). Adults emerge in late May through September.

• Larvae have a brown head with creamy white or pink body and reside under the bark in the winter months

Damage:

• Larvae gain entrance through areas that are already injured; live just under the bark

• Oozing of gum on the outer bark when the borer starts its attack. The ooze commonly includes frass or debris that the borer ejects.

• Bark will peel off damaged areas

• Branches become girdled and die

Management & Treatment:

• The main control of this pest is preventative care-keep trees in good health (mulching, watering, fertilization, and pruning)

• The use of pheromone lures and traps is useful in limiting numbers and monitoring activity

• Mating disruption may be utilized in multi-acre plantings

• Utilize spinosad and Bt (be sure to rotate approaches so that the borer doesn’t build up resistance)

• Neem oil impacts the molting cycle of the moths, eventually stopping many larvae in their life cycle.

• Spread “neem butter” onto damaged areas

Resources: Michigan State University Extension Office, UK College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Iowa State University Extension, Patrick L. Byers-Horticulture Specialist, and Michael Phillips-“The Holistic Orchard”