Aphids are one of the most critical insect pests of pecan and most difficult to control. Insecticide resistance is critical to managing as well. The further we into the season to treat, the better off we are. Here are some things you can do now if you are seeing aphids build:
- The best thing you can do now is DON’T SPRAY BROADSPECTRUM INSECTICIDES!! These are pyrethroids and chlorpyrifos. Many species of beneficial insects work on aphids. These insecticides will harm beneficials and will flare aphids.
- Ignore yellow aphids.
- Ignore black aphids before late July.
- Apply imidacloprid via drip in early/mid-June.
- If black aphids flare-up w/in 3-4 wks following application, apply aphid insecticides and ROTATE!
- Spraying gibberellic acid, a plant growth regulator, can prevent black pecan aphid injury and inhibit the establishment of black pecan aphids in the orchard. Gibberellic acid does not affect aphids directly and will not control any other pest, including yellow aphids. Three applications should be made at 2-week intervals, beginning in mid-July, applying 10 oz (or 5 oz of ProGibb LV Plus) each time.
- Try to save Nexter late season if needed for black aphids when mites are a problem.
- For a more thorough threshold protocol, please check the UGA spray guide.
