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| Galls caused by pecan phylloxera |
I have been getting lots of calls and e-mails about pecan phylloxera. This insect is widespread this year.
This insect is about 1/5 of an inch long and causes galls (knots) on stems and leaves. The galls generally split open in late May and early June and release small, greenish, winged aphid-like insects. The galls then dry, which causes twig dieback and leaf drop. Severe infestations of this insect can cause loss of the pecan crop for the current year and also for the following year.
No effective control of phylloxera is available once the galls are present. Sprayed insecticides will not reach the insects inside the galls.
The most effective control of pecan phylloxera is in the spring when the eggs hatch and the small insects crawl to the buds. One or two sprays in early April when new leaves are 1 inch long with a possible second spray a week later are usually effective in controlling this insect. Recommended insecticide for homeowners is Sevin.
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