PestMedium Severity

Lesser Peach Tree Borer

Synanthedon pictipes

A clearwing moth borer that is an important pest in peach and cherry orchards. Adults are day-flying moths resembling wasps, and larvae create tunnels in trunk and limbs, causing characteristic gumosis. Problems are typically associated with Cytospora canker and tree wounds.

Peak Season: Overwintering: As larvae in barkFirst flight: May-JuneSecond flight: August-SeptemberPossible third generation: Varies by regionPeak damage: Summer months during active feedingAdult activity: Several weeks per generation
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Lesser peach tree borer showing clearwing adult moth and characteristic bark damage

Identification & Symptoms

What to Look For

Wads of sap dripping from trunk and limbs (gumosis)
White larvae with yellowish brown heads up to 1 inch long
Exit holes nearly through bark with projecting pupal skins
Tunneling damage in inner bark of trunk and limbs
Adult moths with transparent wings and steel-blue margins

Potential Damage

Structural weakening from larval tunneling
Girdling potential in heavily infested areas
Secondary infections through borer wounds
Reduced tree vigor and productivity
Economic losses in stone fruit production
Increased susceptibility to other pests and diseases

Lifecycle

Two and possibly three generations per year. Larvae overwinter and complete development in April-May. Adults emerge leaving pupal skins projecting from burrows. Females lay several hundred eggs in bark cracks and cankered areas. Eggs hatch in 7-10 days, and young larvae tunnel into inner bark.

Professional Treatment Approach

1

Imicide applications targeting adult flight periods

2

Address underlying Cytospora canker infections

3

Minimize tree wounds and mechanical damage

4

Systemic Imisol treatments for comprehensive protection

5

Time treatments with adult emergence in May-June and August-September

Recommended Mauget Products

Imicide

Professional-grade treatment specifically effective against lesser peach tree borer.

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Imisol

Professional-grade treatment specifically effective against lesser peach tree borer.

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