Southern Pecan Leaf Phylloxera – Phylloxera russallae

Southern Pecan Leaf Phylloxera (Phylloxera russellae Stoetzel)

Latin Name: Phylloxera russellae Stoetzel)

Common Name: Southern Pecan Leaf Phylloxera

Appearance:

• Southern pecan leaf phylloxera is a little aphid-like bug that feeds on pecan tree leaves. Whereas the insects are rarely observed, the galls they generate are noticeable.
• Southern pecan leaf phylloxera is a pest that predominantly affects old pecan trees, although it can also affect nursery and young trees.

Territory: Native to eastern North America.

Damages caused by Southern Pecan Leaf Phylloxera:

This species forms tiny galls between the secondary veins on the leaf surface, which causes damage. The galls are spherical and flattened, with a reticulated pattern on their surface and an open ventral surface. Dense, short white hairs define the opening. Compared to typical pecan phylloxera, the phylloxera formed from these galls lacks wings.

Description Gall makers:

A gall is a swelling of plant tissue that is abnormal. It can be caused by a type of insects, mites, nematodes, fungus, and bacteria, as well as mechanical harm. Several species produce galls of various sizes, shapes, and colors. These visual traits help identify species. The biology and ecology of common gall-forming insects and mites are covered in this paper. Gall-producing insects aren’t usually considered pests, and some galls are even decorative, being utilized in flower arrangements and other crafts. Galls may be found on a wide range of plants, although the most frequent ones are found on oaks, hackberries, roses, and their relatives, as well as willows and asters. Most gall-forming insects do not harm the host plant; however certain species can be unsightly. Pecan output can be reduced by heavy infestations of the pecan stem phylloxera.

Life History and Habits:

The southern pecan leaf phylloxera creates wingless, sexual types in the galls induced by the stem mother. Females crawl to a safe location to lay their solitary eggs. The female frequently does not lay the egg entirely, and it stays connected to her corpse. Each year, a new generation of galls is born.