No question, many green flies on the boxwood can only mean a pest infestation. But it remains to be seen exactly what pest it is and how badly it can damage the boxwood. A close look reveals surprising things.
What are those green flies on the boxwood?
The green flies arenot real flies, but psyllids, more preciselyboxwood psyllids, scientifically Psylla buxi. Curled, yellowed leaves and stunted growth are typical symptoms. Their honey secretions attract sooty mold fungi. Cut back infected shoot tips in late autumn and dispose of the clippings immediately.
What exactly do psyllids look like and when do they appear?
The adult fleas appearbetween May and Juneon the undersides of the leaves of the boxwood (Buxus). They are about3, 5 mm long, green and winged, hence the confusion with flies. They have jumping legs and can quickly leave the box when danger threatens. From June to July they lay their eggs on the outer bud scales of the boxwood. The green, flattened larvae are often covered with a whitish coating. They overwinter and can be discovered on the young shoots in spring.
Which damage pattern is typical for the boxwood flea?
The boxwood flea can cause a variety of damage that can lead to further damage. A rough overview:
- young leaves curl upwards like a bowl (so-calledspoon-leafedness)
- leaves getyellow discoloration and galls
- Affected plant parts are often covered with white wax threads
- the thread layer impairs shoot growth
- Sooty mold fungi settle on honey excretions
- The black soot coating impairs metabolism and photosynthesis
- the ornamental value of the boxwood decreases drastically
How can I get rid of boxwood fleas?
Boxwood fleas are mainly controlled by pruning by removing infected shoots and egg deposits. Anoil-containing agent can also be used, but it harms beneficial insects. It is also helpful to keep the garden close to nature in order to encourage natural enemies, so-called beneficial insects.
Tip
Check your boxwood regularly from spring to autumn
Check your boxwood regularly to detect pests early. Among other things, it is also susceptible to aphids, scale insects, mealy bugs, box tree spider mites and box tree borers.
