Psyllids are flying sap suckers that are 2-3mm in size and often a brown colour. This pest damages the aesthetics of the plant, although severe infestations can cause wider problems, which usually occur when the plant is stressed.
Psyllids produce a sugary secretion called honey dew, which provides ideal growing conditions for sooty mould, a black mould that covers leaves and branches. Honey dew also attracts unwanted wasps into your garden. With the removal of Psyllids from your plants, sooty mould often also disappears.
Sooty mould caused by a Psyllid infestation:
Symptoms
- Tiny lumps or dimples on the leaves
- Distorted shoots
- Tip dieback
- Wilting
- Irregular brown, yellow or orange patches
A clear sign of a Psyllid infestation – dimpled and lumpy leaves
Prevention
Keep plants watered and fertilised, so that they do not become stressed.
Cure
Foliar spray of insecticides Thiacloprid or Azoxystrobin as directed on product label.
Root drench of insecticides Thiamethoxam and lambda-Cyhalothrin as directed on product label.
These products are stocked on retail shelves and therefore come in low strengths, which means multiple applications are often required to cure the plant.
AFTER SPRAYING INSECTICIDES we recommend:
Spreading compost
Compost carries good bacterias essential for decomposition of debris and soil health.
Natural fertilisers
– Fish,
– Seaweed
– Blood & Bone etc.
Psyllids can ruin the aesthetics of your garden and stress your plants causing further pest and disease issues. We have been noticing many Psyllid infestations this summer, so it pays to be aware of the symptoms and treat infested plants as soon as possible.