Boxwood Psyllid (Spanioneura buxi)
GDD Window (base 50): 290-440
Overview:
- Overwinter as orange, spindle-shaped eggs
- Nymphs emerge and begin feeding as buds expand
- Nymphs feed on young foliage by piercing it while producing white, waxy strands which cover their bodies as they mature
- Adults emerge in early summer and are tiny, light green, winged, and leafhopper-like insects that cause less damage than nymphs
- Adults are referred to as “jumping plant lice”
- Leaf cups around nymphs as they feed, protecting them
- Typically minor aesthetic damage
- Edges of terminal leaves bend upwards
- Causes yellowing of leaves, and some stunted growth of terminal twigs
- Host plants: all boxwoods
- American boxwood is the most susceptible, English boxwood is less severely attacked
Management:
Cultural Practices:
- Natural predators: lady beetles,lacewings, parasitic wasps
- Prune affected leaves during spring and destroy them
- Plant resistant varieties
- Reduce plant stress
Materials:
- Contact insecticides:
- Not viable after leaf cupping occurs
- Pyrethroids [3]: –thrins
- Carbamates [1A]: carbaryl
- Systemic insecticides:
- Neonicotinoids [4A]: imidacloprid, dinotefuran, acetamiprid
- Organophosphates [1B]: Acephate (translaminar)
- Considerations:
- Will harm non-target species
Biorationals:
- Insecticidal soap
- Horticultural oils
- Biopesticides [UN]: azadirachtin
- Biopesticide: Fungal agents [UNF]: Beauveria bassiana
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.