One of the most common pests affecting cherry trees is the black cherry aphid. Once the cherry trees have been damaged, it is too late to fight them. Therefore, as a precaution, check the young leaves for aphid nests during flowering.
Explanation of terms
The name "black cherry aphid" - also known as "black cherry aphid" or simply "cherry aphid" - combines two species of this species: black sweet cherry aphid (Mycus pruniavium) and black sour cherry aphid (Mycus cerasi). The difference is of little consequence to a gardener, as both species infest both sweet and sour cherry trees and undergo much the same development.
harmful pictures
The cherry aphids prefer to attack young leaves at the shoot tips. The difference is in the damage caused by the various aphids. While an infestation of sweet cherry aphids causes the leaves to curl up and the tips of the shoots wither and possibly die off, an infestation of sour cherry aphids has a growth-inhibiting effect on the new shoots, and the leaves only bulge slightly.
The aphids secrete a sugary liquid. The so-called honeydew in connection with the resulting sooty dew soils and sticks together the leaves and the fruit. Between mid-May and early June, the aphids migrate to the wild herbs and later return to the cherry trees to lay their eggs. Cherry aphid infestation is particularly difficult for young trees; the older trees usually survive this without major damage.
combat
When fighting aphids, preventive measures should be the priority. This includes examining the new shoots and leaves during and immediately after flowering. The cockchafer and other insects in the garden naturally fight the aphid colonies by eating the aphids. It is important to protect and promote these beneficial insects. When you reach for sprays, you should opt for preparations that are gentle on beneficial organisms.
tips and tricks
If spraying cannot be avoided, it should be remembered that this only makes sense before the leaves are rolled up.