Mealybugs are among the pests that are quite common on apple trees. Since injuries to the bark have a negative impact on the vitality of the tree, it is important to reliably identify the pests and combat them at an early stage.
What are mealybugs and why do they damage the apple tree?
The mealybugs (Eriosoma lanigerum), which belong to the suborder ofaphids, feed on plant sap andsuckon thewoody ones Plant parts of the apple tree. The body of the grey-brown pests is covered by a light, woolly wax layer, which protects the animals from harmful environmental influences.
How do I know that these are mealybugs?
The fruit tree pests, which originally come from North America and belong to the scale insect subfamily, sit close together in groups andlook like fluffy, soft structures They prefer to settle on the overgrowths of former wounds as well as on the branches.
If you crush the animals, which are approximately two millimeters in size, a blood-red liquid will come out. This is why mealy bugs are often referred to as blood lice.
How do mealybugs damage the apple tree?
Through theirsucking activitymealybugs weaken the fruit tree andinjure the bark. This tears open in the affected areas. As the wound heals, thick growths called blood louse or mealybug cancer form.
The wound sites are also open entry points for pathogens and fungi. As a result, if other stress factors are added, dangerous diseases such as bark burn can develop.
How can I effectively combat mealybugs?
How you fight the animals isdepending onthestrengthof theInfestation:
- Crush individual mealybugs and small settlements.
- For larger colonies, place an old cloth under the apple tree and brush them off. Then remove everything in the household waste.
- Then cut out any growths thoroughly.
- In addition, you can combat the pests with ecologically friendly fern or soft soap and spirit sprays.
You should not use insecticides in your home garden as they always damage the beneficial insects that are important for the ecosystem.
Can you effectively prevent mealybugs on apple trees?
The most important preventive measures against mealybugs are thecultivationofresistant apple varietiesas well as goodtrunk care:
- The pests overwinter as young larvae in the bark and upper root area. By creating glue rings you prevent them from reaching the higher regions of the apple tree.
- Promote the settlement of ladybirds, earwigs, parasitic wasps and, above all, the blood louse wasp (Aphelinus mali).
- Nasturtiums sown on the tree disc keep the pests away in a nice way.
Tip
Overfertilization as a cause of severe mealybug infestation
If mealybugs are repeatedly found on the apple tree and on apple-like trees such as quinces, redthorns, hawthorns or medlars, a soil test is recommended. The reason: The animals prefer to settle on plants whose growth is stimulated by excessive nitrogen in the soil.
