Leaf curl plum aphid
36 host plants
Last updated
Leaf curl plum aphids colonize Prunus species new growth in spring, causing leaves to curl inward and distort starting in April through June in Western Washington. The small, dark aphids gather on tender leaves and shoots; their feeding causes the characteristic leaf curl that provides shelter for the growing colony. You identify the problem by the distinctive curled, thickened leaves appearing at branch terminals.
Scout for leaf curling starting in early April and remove affected shoots by hand if infestations are light. For orchards or landscapes with recurring problems, apply dormant oil in late winter to suppress overwintering eggs. Once buds expand, insecticidal soap or neem oil applied to emerging foliage suppresses early colonies. For heavier infestations, spinosad targets aphids during curling.
Quick Reference
Cultural Controls
- biological control Many parasites and predators attack aphid.
- Monitor the proportion of aphid mummies to unparasitized adults and the number of predators such as lady beetles.
- If the biocontrol agents appear to be gaining control, avoid sprays which would disrupt this system.
- Most products available for aphid control are highly disruptive of natural enemies.
- Management-cultural control Aphid populations tend to be higher in plants that are fertilized liberally with nitrogen.
- Prune out suckers...