November 19, 2020
New Publication!
Pear psylla, Cacopsylla pyricola (Förster), has remained the most challenging pest of commercial pears in Washington and Oregon, the top producers of pears in the United States. The lack of effective integrated pest management tactics for this pest has been a major barrier to effective management. In this study, we examined the potential for reflective plastic mulch affixed beneath pear trees to suppress pear psylla. In 2017 and 2018, single pear tree (cv. Bartlett) plots of reflective plastic mulch, black plastic mulch, and no mulch (check) were established in a research orchard to compare their effects on pear psylla.
Nottingham, L. B. and E. H. Beers 2020. Management of pear psylla (Hemiptera: Psyllidae), using reflective plastic mulch. J. Econ. Entomol. 113:2840-2849.
