Peach Tree Borer Symptoms: All You Need to Know – A Quick & Informative Guide

The peach tree borer is a destructive insect pest that primarily targets peach and nectarine trees, but can also affect apricot, cherry, and plum trees. This pest, scientifically known as Synanthedon exitiosa, can cause severe damage to the tree’s roots and crown area, impacting the overall health and fruit production of your stone fruit trees.

To effectively manage an infestation, it is essential to recognize the symptoms of peach tree borer activity in your trees. Some common symptoms include oozing sap and sawdust-like frass at the base of the tree trunk, as well as wilting and eventual dieback of branches. Early detection is crucial for proper treatment and control, as these pests can be hard to eradicate once they have burrowed deeper into the tree.

Peach Tree Borer Overview

Life Cycle

The Peach Tree Borer (Synanthedon exitiosa) is a major pest of stone fruits. Its life cycle begins with the moth laying eggs during the months of July and August. Larvae then hatch and eventually pupate in cocoons under the bark or near soil level. Adults emerge in 17 to 25 days between May and September¹.

Identification of Male and Female Moths

The Peach Tree Borer’s adult moths are sexually dimorphic, making their identification easier:

• Male Moths:
  • Resemble small wasps
  • Four narrow yellow bands on the abdomen
  • Clear wings²
• Female Moths:
  • Dark blue body
  • Two orange bands on the abdomen
  • Opaque front wings²

Stone Fruits Affected

The Peach Tree Borer poses a threat to various stone fruits, including:

• Peach¹
• Plum¹
• Cherry¹
• Nectarine¹
• Apricot²

Comparison Table: Peach Tree Borer Affected Stone Fruits

Symptoms of Infestation

Trunk and Bark Damage

Peachtree borer larvae feed on the tree’s trunk, bark, and larger roots. They cause:

• Tunneling underneath the bark
• Visible damage near the base (crown) of the tree

See the Penn State Extension for details on trunk and bark damage.

Gumming and Frass

When a peach tree is infested, you may notice:

• Gumming, which appears as a jelly-like substance seeping from the wounded bark
• Frass, resembling reddish sawdust, in bark crevices or around the base of the tree

More on gumming and frass can be found at the University of Maryland Extension.

Foliage and Branches

Although the peach tree borer typically targets the trunk, bark, and roots, an infestation may also impact the tree’s foliage and branches. Symptoms include:

• Leaves turning yellow and wilting
• Dieback of branches due to disrupted nutrient flow

Consult the Colorado State University Extension for more about foliage and branch symptoms.

Prevention and Control Methods

Monitoring with Pheromone Traps

Pheromone traps are useful for monitoring peach tree borer populations. They attract male moths, reducing mating opportunities for female moths and helping to manage infestations. Examples of effective pheromone traps include:

• Delta traps
• Wing traps

Pros:

• Non-toxic
• Targeted towards specific pests

Cons:

• Doesn’t eliminate female moths
• May not be as effective in large-scale infestations

Mating Disruption

Mating disruption is another effective method for controlling peach tree borers. It involves releasing synthetic pheromones, making it difficult for male moths to locate female moths, thus reducing their mating success. Key features:

• Applied in spring
• Needs continuous monitoring
• May require multiple applications

Use of Insecticides

Spraying insecticides can provide effective control of peach tree borers. Be sure to apply them according to the label instructions and consider their potential impact on beneficial insects. Some common insecticides used include:

• Permethrin
• Carbaryl (Sevin)

Proper Pruning and Maintenance

Regular pruning and maintenance of peach trees can help prevent and control infestations. Make sure to:

• Prune damaged or infested branches
• Eliminate potential hiding spots for caterpillars and larvae
• Avoid over-pruning, which can lead to stress and susceptibility to pests

In summary, using a combination of pheromone traps, mating disruption, insecticides, and proper pruning and maintenance can help prevent and control peach tree borer infestations.

Conclusion

In summary, the peach tree borer is a destructive insect that can cause severe damage to various fruit trees, such as peach, nectarine, cherry, plum, and apricot. Identifying the symptoms early on can help mitigate their impact on your trees.

Some key symptoms include:

• Gumming at the base of the tree
• Yellowing or wilting leaves
• Tunneling beneath the bark
• Presence of larvae or adult borers

To help illustrate the differences between peach tree borer and other common pests, consider the following comparison table:

By being vigilant and proactive in monitoring your fruit trees for these symptoms, you can better protect them from the harmful effects of peach tree borer infestations.