Oak (Quercus)-Oak leaf phylloxera

Phylloxera spp.

Pest description and damage Phylloxerids are very small (0.01 to 0.02 inch) aphid-like insects that lack cornicles. They are usually spiny in appearance and found in clusters. Winged forms have reduced wing venation. They attack the foliage and buds of red and white oak trees of all sizes. Buds and young developing leaves (undersurface) on terminals and branch ends are attacked, causing bright yellow spots and leaf distortion.

Pest monitoring Early detection on foliage will allow time to decide if management options will be useful.

Management-biological control

Natural controls usually keep damage to a minimum. There are ten species of predators recorded as feeding on oak phylloxera. Nevertheless, at times significant damage and defoliation may occur.

Management-chemical control

See Table 1 in: