Pear Psylla
Pear Psylla  Pear psylla overwinter in twigs and branches. The length of adults to the tip of folded wings is about 8/100 - 11/100 inch (2.0-2.75 mm). The color is light orange to red brown, with darker markings (four stripes along the back). The legs and antennae are mostly light brown to orange. Wings are clear with a conspicuous black spot on the hind edge (at the midline when at rest). Winter form: The length of adults to the tip of folded wings is 13/100 - 16/100 inch (3.3-4 mm). The body color is now very dark red-brown to black. The wing veins are very dark and conspicuous, and the wing spot is now more pronounced. In both forms, the head is a little over half as long as wide. The antennae are 1 1/2 times as long as width of head. Pear psylla eggs are pale cream to yellow-orange. They are elliptical in shape, with a tiny peg inserted into plant tissue. Nymphs are pale yellow when young, but have brown sclerotized plates when older. They resemble flat aphids in shape. Susceptible Plants- Pear psylla affect pear and a wide range of trees and shrubs. Symptoms – Leaf and blossom buds are damaged in spring. Summer feeding by pear psylla results in large deposits of honeydew and the growth of sooty mold. Damage to fruit buds forming in late summer reduces the next years fruit crop. Severe infestation of pear pyslla can cause premature leaf fall. Although pear psylla is classed here as an indirect pest because it feeds on leaves, the main source of economic injury is to the fruit. Prevention and Control- Prune off and burn the most severely infested shoots. Grow flowers such as corn marigold and cornflower to attack natural predators of the pear pyslla.. Surround WP is made from specially modified Kaolin clay, it is the only kaolin product registered for agricultural use. When sprayed on fruits or vegetables, it forms a barrier that protects from pear pyslla and other pests. The white barrier not only repels pests, it causes irritation, confusion, and is an obstacle for feeding and egg-laying
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