Look out for black cherry aphids in Mesa County
Photo by Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org
The Upper Grand Valley Pest Control District (UGVPCD), the CSU Tri-River Extension Office and Mesa County are working together to educate our community on different pests in our area to protect local agriculture and natural surroundings from their potential harm. This month, we bring awareness to the black cherry aphids (Myzus cerasi), which usually go unnoticed by backyard orchardists but are a significant pest that tree owners should be on the lookout for.
These small, black insects spend the winter as eggs laid at the base of leaf buds. Once hatched, the aphids feed on the sap of cherry trees, causing leaves to curl. As they feed, they excrete a sticky substance known as honeydew, which results in the growth of sooty mold on the leaves, fruit, and any surface under the trees. The mold can impact the plant’s photosynthesis process, resulting in poor tree health and reduced fruit yield and quality.
What to watch for:
- Shiny black eggs in early spring at the base of buds.
- Misshapen, twisted leaves after bloom.
- Small colonies of black aphids on the undersides of leaves.
- Leaves that appear shiny, or black dusty surfaces under or around the tree.
If you suspect a fruit tree on your property may be impacted by black cherry aphids, we encourage you to check out the Backyard Orchard: Stone Fruits Factsheet from the Colorado State University Tri-River Area Extension on their website. Be sure to time spraying when bees and pollinators are not likely to collect pollen and nectar from flowers.
