Aphid control in plum tree - Ask Extension
Hello! A mature plum tree and the plants nearby are covered with the white residue I associate (perhaps incorrectly) with aphids. I haven't seen an ap...
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Aphid control in plum tree #877400
Asked July 15, 2024, 9:50 PM EDT
Hello! A mature plum tree and the plants nearby are covered with the white residue I associate (perhaps incorrectly) with aphids. I haven't seen an aphid presence on this tree in previous years, but I noticed aphids on currant bushes earlier this year. What's the best way to proceed here? Will the tree be damaged if I don't manage the aphid population?
Thanks very much for your help!
Multnomah County Oregon
Expert Response
Hi Michelle and thanks for your question and great pictures of your plum tree bugs. It looks like they might be whiteflies but I also see two ladybugs which will take care of the problem if you leave them alone to populate.
I don't believe they will cause your tree any problems, so I would just wait. It is a bad year for whiteflies, (or good from the whitefly point of vier) but I think they will balance out on their own and we will get lots of ladybugs in the meantime.
I don't believe they will cause your tree any problems, so I would just wait. It is a bad year for whiteflies, (or good from the whitefly point of vier) but I think they will balance out on their own and we will get lots of ladybugs in the meantime.
Thank you so much, Rhonda! I really appreciate your quick and helpful response.
Michelle Graas
she/her/hers
she/her/hers
You are very welcome!
