Common Pests of Crape Myrtle and Their Control Methods

Aphids infestation on crape myrtle

Symptoms

There will be 5-8 generations in the north every year, overwintering as eggs. The initial onset of the disease is in May, and the peak period is in June. Aphids suck sap and damage tender leaves, posing a threat to the growth of crape myrtle.

Prevention and treatment methods

In early spring, scrape off the old bark of the crape myrtle tree, cut off the damaged branches, and burn them in a concentrated manner to eliminate as many overwintering insect eggs as possible. During routine maintenance, cultivation management should be strengthened to reduce the sources of disease.

When the aphid infestation is serious, you can choose to spray 1000-2000 times diluted fish vine essence or 1000-1500 times diluted 40% omethoate or 40% acephate to eliminate it, but at the same time, you must also pay attention to avoid drug damage. In places where conditions permit, artificial breeding and releasing natural enemies can be adopted. Free-range raising of multicolored ladybirds or grass beetle larvae are good choices. In addition, you can use color plates to lure and kill winged aphids, or use reflective white tinfoil to keep away migrating aphids.

The pests of crape myrtle

Symptoms

There are two generations each year, which overwinter as eggs or nymphs. Female adults and nymphs often suck sap from the axils of crape myrtle buds, leaves and branches, causing the branches and leaves to turn black and fall off, which is not conducive to the growth of crape myrtle flowers. In addition, the excrement of this pest can also induce sooty mold disease, which poses a high potential risk.

Prevention and treatment methods

In winter and early spring, prune branches, burn insect-infested branches in a concentrated manner, eliminate insect eggs as much as possible, and manually scrape off any pests found. Strengthen management and quarantine, and apply fertilizers reasonably to enhance the plants' resistance to insects. At the same time, avoid excessive plant density, maintain plant ventilation, and ensure light transmission. You can use the polymer film mixed with the spray and then spray it evenly, which will form a thin film on the surface of the plant, causing the insects to have difficulty breathing and then suffocate to death; or you can use its natural enemy, the red-spotted lip mark insect, to prey and eliminate it. Chemical control can also be adopted when necessary.