I have been several calls in regards to leaffooted plant bug (Leptoglossus clypealis and L. occidentalis). Damage has been reported from various areas of the county, with significant damage observed within some blocks.
Leaffoted plant bugs get their name from the leaflike features found on the back legs of the large nymphs and adults. Adults are about 1 inch long and have a yellow or white zigzag line across their back. Females lay eggs in strands which are often found on the sides of almonds or pistachios.
Prior to shell hardening, leaffooted plant bug feeding will cause nut drop by killing the embryo. Feeding may also cause the nut to gum internally, resulting in gumming on the shell. After the shell hardens, leaffooted bug feeding can still cause black spots on the kernel or wrinkled, misshapen nutmeats. Damage from leaffooted plant bug feeding from various times of the year can be seen here. Fritz, Sonora, Aldrich, and Monterey appear to be more susceptible to bug damage for a longer period during the season.
Treatment thresholds have not been developed for this pest in almonds, but low numbers of bugs can cause substantial damage. Treatment should be considered if bugs are found and if damage has occurred, especially if early in the growing season (April – May). Basing treatments off of observation of symptoms, however, usually means a 7-10 day lag time between when feeding takes place and when nut drop occurs. Research is needed to determine a predictive tool for preventative leaffooted plant bug treatments. Although anecdotal, leaffooted plant bug damage seems to be worse within Merced County in years of low winter rainfall. Perhaps migrating populations move earlier into the almond crop, which causes increase crop loss.
Control treatments consist of using broad spectrum insecticides (pyrethroids, neonicotinoids, and organophosphates) and target the overwintering adults that have migrated into the orchard in April or May. These treatments will often disrupt biological control agents of spider mites, and the inclusion of a miticide should be considered. Since the treatments are made after the damage has occurred it is unknown how effective these sprays are in controlling the insects. After June, damage usually decreases due to decreased population of adults, and the inability of nymphs to penetrate the hull due to mouthparts that are too small to feed on the kernel.
Here is a video I made a few years ago about diagnosing leaffooted plant bug.
More information can be found at the UC IPM Website.
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Jim
March 20, 2015Has anyone tried a drone to scout for Leaffooted Plant Bug? If these things are in the top of the tree, a quad copter might scare them into flying. We had a problem last year and no one saw anything until a lot of damage was done.
It also appears that the Independence variety is a prime target, is there any conformation of this?
David Doll
March 22, 2015Jim,
Use of UAVs may be able to spot leaffooted plant bug (LFPB) but that research hasnt been conducted. I am sure we will know more in a few years. Its a great idea! We still suggest using beat trays to hit branches and catch the insects that fall. The intention is if you see some LFPD then a spray might be needed.
Have you tried this? It is a little tricky and I am unsure if it is feasible within operations.
We have observed varietal differences – usually later harvesting varieties (e.g. ‘Monterey,’ ‘Fritz’). This is my first in hearing about Independence. Has damage been preferential over neighboring ‘Nonpareil?’
David
Thank you for sharing!
John Vargas
March 25, 2015I’ve heard of treatments for Leaffooted plant bug going out with bloom time sprays. It seems unlikely since that pest migrates in much later, however; I was wondering it you’ve heard anything about that treatment timing.
David Doll
March 26, 2015John,
I agree, it seems unlikely and, most likely is a mis-timed spray. Leaffooted plant bug is not affected by residuals and it is currently thought that it must come in direct contact with the spray. This means applying these insecticides as a “protectant” is not an effective treatment for this insect.
I hope that helps,
David
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