Cherry Blossom Pest Control Methods and Technical Key Points

1. Cherry blossom pests and diseases include the white peach scale (Pseudaulacaspis pentagona), various nettle moths, and the apple fruit moth (Phalera flavescens), among others.

The white peach scale is mainly distributed in cherry blossom cultivation areas, occurs commonly, and is quite severe in individual fields. The damage has already caused the leaves to basically fall off, with pest populations at extremely high densities, appearing snow-white from both near and far. It is speculated that the first-instar nymph stage of the white peach scale should be around late August to early September. The first-instar nymph stage is the best time to carry out spray control. All growers should carry out coordinated prevention and control to keep the pest population base below the allowable economic level.

Control method: spray during the nymph stage with Sujieke at 1000-1500 times dilution, Supusha at 1500-2000 times dilution, or Jiemanling at 150-200 times dilution. Where pest density is relatively high, spray again after 7-10 days, and alternate the pesticides to prevent the scale insects from developing resistance. In addition, cherry trees with particularly high pest densities should be properly pruned, and the pruned material should be collected and burned to prevent further spread of the infestation.

2. The apple fruit moth (Phalera flavescens) is mainly distributed in cherry blossom cultivation areas, occurs commonly, and causes severe damage in individual fields, eating all the leaves so that only bare branches remain. At present, the insect stages are uneven; some larvae have already reached the 5th instar (first generation), while some larvae are still in the newly hatched stage, between the 1st and 2nd instars (second generation). This is currently the best time for spray control, and all farmers should seize the time to carry out control work. Keep pest damage under control.

Control pesticide: during the period of severe larval occurrence, spray fenvalerate emulsion at 800-1000 times dilution or other pyrethroid pesticides;