Greater Peachtree (Crown) Borer

greater peachtree borer greater peachtree borer

Hosts

Apricot, nectarine, peach, plum

Biology

Adult clearwing moths begin activity in late June and females lay their eggs on the base of tree trunks through September.  Young or stressed trees can be killed.

Symptoms/Damage

Tree decline and dieback; oozing gummosis mixed with frass at the soil-line of the tree. 

Monitoring

Look for holes near the soil line and oozing gum mixed with frass.  To determine when adults emerge, hang pheromone traps starting in mid June or 400 degree days after March 1.  Leave traps up and check weekly to monitor pest population throughout the season.

Treatment Threshold

If peak trap catch is greater than 10/week, treatment may be needed, especially if you find an average of more than 1 empty pupal case per tree.  For greater peachtree borer under mating disruption:  average of 3 moths/trap.

Degree Day Model

  • Upper threshold:  87°F
  • Lower threshold:  50°F

Event Degree Days
adults begin flight (UT) 575-650
50% moths have flown 1290

Management Considerations

Peachtree borer can be difficult to control because of the protection given them once they have entered the tree.  Mating disruption (1+ acres) or preventive trunk sprays covering the upper roots and 12-18” of lower trunk are the main control tactic.