Woolly apple aphid

Insect

Woolly apple aphid

Eriosoma lanigerum (Hausmann)

Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha: Aphididae

Distribution: Widespread and a major pest in most fruit-growing states and provinces in eastern North America.

Photos

Nodules form on the woody parts of trees and roots. Leo-Guy Simard, Ag. and Agri-Food Canada
D

The colonies of reddish brown adults (A) and nymphs (B) produce waxy secretions, which resemble small tufts of wool or cotton batting (C). The aphids are without cornicles, possessing only abdominal pores.

Crops Affected: apples, pears

Damage

Attacks apple and pear. The woolly apple aphid causes the formation of nodules on the woody parts of trees and roots (D). The nodules can split and develop into cankers. This aphid excretes honeydew on leaves and fruit that favors the growth of sooty mold.

Management

Use of resistant apple rootstocks recommended. Protect natural parasitoids. Check for colonies on pruning scars and on interior and upper branches, beginning in early to midsummer; if necessary, apply selective insecticides (aphicides) when they appear.

MSU Extension Integrated Pest Management