Plant lice live on the sap of the fruit tree by mostly sitting on the underside of the leaves and piercing the leaf veins. They usually leave a typical damage on the plants. If this is recognized by the gardener, he can initiate the right countermeasures.
In the event of a lice infestation, quick action is required
aphids
Of the many hundreds of aphid species in Europe, only a few are of horticultural importance. Some specialize in just one specific plant species, while others change hosts. Despite the name, the host range of the green peach aphid (Myzus persicae) is particularly large. First and foremost, aphids damage the fruit tree by depriving it of nourishing cell sap. But the release of poisonous saliva also damages the wood.
damage picture
Deformities on leaves, shoots and fruits are typical. Especially young leaves are full of mostly black aphids. However, the animals can also cause indirect damage to the plant by transmitting dangerous viruses. The excretion of honeydew that covers the plant and the associated colonization of black sooty mold lead to a further weakening, because the dirty parts of the leaf prevent the vital photosynthesis. In addition, aphids attract ants, which is why an aphid infestation is often only noticed when there are more ants.
combat
If the infestation is small, it can be removed by hand or with a hard jet of water. Cutting back badly affected parts can also help. In the case of chemical control, you should use preparations that are gentle on beneficial insects and have a selective effect. However, aphids can also be eliminated very well by natural opponents such as hoverflies, parasitic wasps, (22.99€) ladybirds, lacewings and birds.
Mealybugs and mealybugs
Mealybugs and mealybugs belong to the scale insects. They have an oval shape, reminiscent of isopods, with waxy appendages. Their white waxy secretions can be very extensive. You can often recognize this "wax" by the branches and main veins of the leaves. They damage the fruit tree by removing cell sap and excreting honeydew. In addition, bulging growths often appear on the affected parts of the plant.
combat
If the infestation is low, the animals can be brushed off or crushed, and the waxy wool can be hosed off. Otherwise, the possible measures for elimination are similar to those for aphids.
tips
In addition to lice, other pests and fungal diseases often occur on fruit trees.