Balsam twig aphid (Mindarus abietinus)
GDD Window (base 50): 100-150
Overview:
- 1/16 to 1/8″ long, appearance varies with life stage
- Eggs are brown and covered in white waxy rod-like structures
- Stem mothers are plump, covered with white powder and small cornicles
- Adults are greenish-blue, offspring gather around adults
- Feeding causes newly emerging needles to become twisted, needle death may occur
- Honeydew causes shoots to stick together
- Host plants: Most firs (Abies), particularly Balsam and Fraser firs. Common pest for Christmas tree production.
Management:
Cultural Practices:
- Beneficial insects: lady beetles, lacewings, parasitic wasps (Aphidius colemani)
- Companion plantings: dill, coriander, yarrow, fennel, garlic, chives, marigolds, nasturtiums
- Traps: Sticky traps
- Mesh barriers, tree wraps
- Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen
- Heavy sprays of water
- Prune infested twigs and branches
Materials:
- Contact insecticides:
- Pyrethroids [3]: permethrin, cypermethrin, deltamethrin
- Carbamates [1A]: major risks to off-target predators
- Systemic insecticides:
- Organophosphates [1B]: malathion, diazinon, acephate
- Neonicotinoids [4A]: Imidacloprid, Thiamethoxam
- Considerations:
- Will harm non-target species and beneficial insects
Biorationals:
- Insecticidal soaps
- Horticultural oils
- mineral oil, neem oil
Disclaimer – Materials do not cover all possible control scenarios and are intended for licensed professionals. Tradenames do not imply endorsement and are used as examples. You must strictly follow the label for each compound prior to use. Rutgers is not responsible form is used materials or damages thereof. The label is the law. Labels will provide detailed information on use and restrictions. Additionally, application intervals, compatibility, surfactant use, PHI, PPE, important and other key information is described in detail. Always discuss treatments with your local agents. Note: Neonicotinoids can only be legally applied in commercial agriculture settings by licensed applicators. Guidelines and recommendations made in this presentation are specific to the state of New Jersey.