Boxwood Pyslla
Boxwood Psylla  Boxwood psylla lay ther eggs in late summer in slits in leaf axils and twigs. They hatch in mid spring. They young nymphs feed on growing points and young shoots from late spring onward. Susceptible Plants- Boxwood psyllid, Psylla Buxus Life Cycle- Boxwood psyllids, often referred to as jumping plant lice, are small 1/16-in (12.-13mm) , grayish green insects that are normally covered with a white, waxy, filamentous secretion that partially covers the body, providing protection from parasitoids and sprays of pest-control materials. Winged adults appear in late May and June. They can be seen flying around plants. Adults may bite humans; however, the bites are not serious.  Females insert, between or under bud scales, spindle-shaped, orange eggs during early summer. Boxwood psyllid overwinters as an egg. Eggs hatch into yellowish nymphs that begin feeding as soon as buds begin to open in early spring. The first-instar nymphs feed by sucking plant fluids from terminal leaves as they unfold and expand in spring. Their feeding causes leaves to yellow, curl, and form a cup, which conceals and protects the nymphs. There is one generation per year Symptoms- The leaves at the tip of the infected shoots arch inward to form tight cabagge like clusters. Growth can be checked if infestation is severe. Sticky honeydew and black sooty molds may be present. Prevention and Control- Control is only necessary on young boxwood plants if they become stunted. Clip regularly in early spring to remove infested shoot tips. Surround WP Pesticide Spray- Bonide Insecticidal Soap or an organic Horticultural and Dormant Spray Oil can be used when adults first emerge to curtail egg laying.of boxwood pyslla.
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