How to Manage Pests

UC Pest Management Guidelines

DESCRIPTION OF THE PEST

In California, this aphid is most prevalent in the San Joaquin Valley. Winged and wingless adults of the black peach aphid are shiny black and about 0.1 inch long. The nymphs are reddish brown. Wingless forms overwinter on the roots of peach and other closely related trees. In early spring, some migrate from roots to new growth and start colonies on the young leaves. Several generations of female aphids are produced. In early summer, winged adults are produced and migration to other trees occurs. Aboveground colonies usually disappear by midsummer as wingless forms migrate to the roots to feed and overwinter.

DAMAGE

Injury consists of leaf curling, yellowing, and premature drop; the leaf curling is first evident at shoot terminals. If aphids are abundant, honeydew excretion may cause black sooty mold to appear on leaves and fruit. Ants may also become a problem.

MANAGEMENT

In spring when growth begins, look for colonies of this aphid when monitoring other pests. The multicolored Asian lady beetle, Harmonia axyridis, is a common predator of these aphids. This aphid is not particularly damaging, and populations may be managed by predators. If this aphid has presented problems in the past, however, take control measures in spring.

Common name		Amount/Acre**		R.E.I.+	P.H.I.+
(trade name)		(conc.)	(dilute)	(hours)	(days)
When choosing a pesticide, consider information relating to impact on natural enemies and honey bees, the impact of the timing on beneficials, and environmental impact. Not all registered pesticides are listed. Always read label of product being used.
A.	IMIDACLOPRID
	(Provado) 1.6F	4 fl oz	1 fl oz	12	0
	MODE OF ACTION GROUP NUMBER1: 4A
	COMMENTS: Apply as foliar spray after pollination is complete and bees are no longer present in the orchard. Thorough, uniform coverage is essential. Do not apply more than 24 fl oz/acre/crop. Use allowed under a supplemental label.
B.	ACETAMIPRID
	(Assail) 70WP	1.1–2.3 oz	1 fl oz	12	7
	MODE OF ACTION GROUP NUMBER1: 4A
**	For dilute applications, rate is per 100 gal water to be applied in 300-500 gal water/acre, according to label; for concentrate applications, use 80-100 gal water/acre, or lower if the label allows.
+	Restricted entry interval (R.E.I.) is the number of hours (unless otherwise noted) from treatment until the treated area can be safely entered without protective clothing. Preharvest interval (P.H.I.) is the number of days from treatment to harvest. In some cases the REI exceeds the PHI. The longer of two intervals is the minimum time that must elapse before harvest.
1	Rotate chemicals with a different mode-of-action Group number, and do not use products with the same mode-of-action Group number more than twice per season to help prevent the development of resistance. For example, the organophosphates have a Group number of 1B; chemicals with a 1B Group number should be alternated with chemicals that have a Group number other than 1B. Mode of action Group numbers are assigned by IRAC (Insecticide Resistance Action Committee). For additional information, see their Web site at http://www.irac-online.org/.

PUBLICATION

UC IPM Pest Management Guidelines: Peach
UC ANR Publication 3454
Insects and Mites
W. J. Bentley, UC IPM Program, Kearney Agricultural Center, Parlier
J. K. Hasey, UC Cooperative Extension, Sutter/Yuba counties
K. R. Day, UC Cooperative Extension, Tulare County
Acknowledgment for contributions to the Insects and Mites:
R. E. Rice, Kearney Agricultural Center, Parlier
C. Pickel, UC IPM Program, Sutter/Yuba counties

Top of page