Fruit Tree Leaf Issues - Ask Extension
Attached are a few images of a new leaf issue I am experiencing. The problem is limited to relatively small areas, primarily new leaf growth. on my Ba...
Knowledgebase
Fruit Tree Leaf Issues #875358
Asked June 30, 2024, 2:26 PM EDT
Attached are a few images of a new leaf issue I am experiencing. The problem is limited to relatively small areas, primarily new leaf growth. on my Bartlett pear and Bing cherry trees. The internet did not provide any definitive causes or cures, so I'm wondering if you have any ideas. I live on Westview Drive in Klamath Falls. Thank you, again, for your kind assistance.
I will send a separate message with an image of the Bing cherry leaf front view.
Mark Earnest
<personal data hidden>
Klamath County Oregon
Expert Response
Looks like you have an insect problem we affectionately call pear slug. It is really the pear sawfly but the larvae sure look like a little slug - if you find it. It just skeletonizes the leaf as we see in your images. You can read more about it here (and on many other crops): https://pnwhandbooks.org/insect/tree-fruit/pear/pear-pear-sawfly-pear-slug
Thank you for identifying the culprit. I found one slug on the Bing cherry tree, so far, and have eliminated it, along with some of the most chewed up leaves.
The trees are newly planted this spring. The sawflies appear to be doing a fair amount of damage, including the new leaves.
What is the preferred method for eradicating sawflies? Can they be eliminated, or is this likely to be an ongoing problem?
Mark
Hi Mark, if you click on the link Jay sent you, the pesticide options for you are detailed. These insects have a second generation later in the summer, you are likely to see another round in August or so. The link has your chemical options as well. If you can catch this generation before they strat to drop to the ground to pupate, you can drastically reduce the number available to eat the leaves later this season. If not, a treatment when you start seeing the next generation is helpful. You want to catch them while still in the tree, as there's no treatment for them once they drop to the ground to pupate. The damage can be drastic on small/ young trees, but mature trees can often stand a minor infestation with little overall damage to the tree. I hope this helps, Nicole
Hi Nicole,
I did read the embedded link but wasn't sure what type of treatment would be preferred. I went ahead and purchased OMRI-listed organic insecticidal soap and Spinosad and will try those as directed.
Thank you again for your and Dr. Pscheidt's assistance. The key was identifying the problem. I consulted with internet for additional information about the pear sawfly. I don't see any additional larvae and there's been little additional leaf damage since the initial discovery. I now know what to look for and what to do in the future.
Best regards,
Mark