Persimmon Tree Ants - Ask Extension
We planted two persimmon trees a little over a year ago. Although they seemed fine in their first year (besides some fungal issues and deer eating the...
Knowledgebase
Persimmon Tree Ants #875165
Asked June 28, 2024, 6:33 PM EDT
We planted two persimmon trees a little over a year ago. Although they seemed fine in their first year (besides some fungal issues and deer eating the persimmons prematurely), the one now appears to have quite a few ants crawling on its leaves. I'm not sure whether these ants are beneficial to the tree or not, however if they aren't then is there a way I can remove them without using any harsh chemicals? I also recently noticed that there are holes in many of the leaves on the persimmon tree, which I am not sure is linked to the ants or not. If there is anything that I should be aware of or steps that I can take to help the tree please let me know. Thank you.
Montgomery County Maryland
Expert Response
Ants are generally beneficial, preying on other insects that can be plant pests, though occasionally they "tend" (like cattle) certain insects that produce honeydew, a sugary waste liquid that they feed on. Their charges can be aphids and soft scale insects, though could also include psyllids, another kind of sap-sucking insect related to those others. There is a psyllid that specializes in feeding on persimmon (both the native and Asian species).
Either aphids or psyllids could be responsible for the small degree of leaf curling on the younger growth, though neither is serious. You can look on the underside of those leaves, particularly within the curled-over portions, to see if either insect is present. Affected leaves can be plucked off, or blasted with plain water from a garden hose (if within reach) to knock off most aphids/psyllids that might be present. A water spray will also knock off most ants, but they follow scent trails from their nestmates to find food, so that might not keep them away for long.
Despite this, the ants don't need to be removed, and if abundant, the aphids or psyllids themselves could be treated to reduce their population. Direct contact with either a horticultural oil or insecticidal soap spray, both low-toxicity options, would be sufficient, though re-treatment may be helpful after whatever interval the product label recommends in case some were missed the first time. Generally, though, neither pest will cause enough damage to a persimmon tree to warrant the effort of treatment, especially as that tree ages and grows taller and harder to reach.
The leaf tears are similarly minor and don't appear to be caused by a pest or disease, though if anything, might be due to an inconsequential leaf spot infection that dried out enough to tear in the wind. No treatment is needed and they won't impact long-term tree health or productivity.
Miri
Either aphids or psyllids could be responsible for the small degree of leaf curling on the younger growth, though neither is serious. You can look on the underside of those leaves, particularly within the curled-over portions, to see if either insect is present. Affected leaves can be plucked off, or blasted with plain water from a garden hose (if within reach) to knock off most aphids/psyllids that might be present. A water spray will also knock off most ants, but they follow scent trails from their nestmates to find food, so that might not keep them away for long.
Despite this, the ants don't need to be removed, and if abundant, the aphids or psyllids themselves could be treated to reduce their population. Direct contact with either a horticultural oil or insecticidal soap spray, both low-toxicity options, would be sufficient, though re-treatment may be helpful after whatever interval the product label recommends in case some were missed the first time. Generally, though, neither pest will cause enough damage to a persimmon tree to warrant the effort of treatment, especially as that tree ages and grows taller and harder to reach.
The leaf tears are similarly minor and don't appear to be caused by a pest or disease, though if anything, might be due to an inconsequential leaf spot infection that dried out enough to tear in the wind. No treatment is needed and they won't impact long-term tree health or productivity.
Miri
