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Shelterbelt Centre Pest Leaflets
Ash Plant Bug
Hosts: Green ash
Appearance and Life History: In the
prairies, the ash plant bug completes two
generations during a growing season. The
plant bug overwinters in the egg stage with
nymphs first emerging in mid-May just as the
ash leaves begin to unfold. The nymphs are
small, oval shaped and vary from
yellowish-green to dark brown. Adults
measure 4 to 5 mm in length, 1.5 to 2.0 mm
in width, and range from light green to black.
First generation adults are found from early
to late June while second generation adults
are present and laying overwintering eggs
from early August to late September.
Damage: The ash plant bug
causes damage to the host by
inserting its mouthparts into the
leaf tissue and sucking out the
plant sap. Damage by the plant
bug is cumulative throughout the
year, so that a light infestation in
the spring may result in severe
damage by the fall. Damage
ranges from a yellow stippling
on the upper leaf surfaces to
wilted and deformed leaves,
resulting in premature leaf drop,
and reduced annual growth.
This elusive insect is often
difficult to find, but an
indication of an infestation is
the varnish-like black excrement
spots which remain on the
damaged leaves.
Control: During a severe
infestation, the following
insecticides may be used:
carbaryl, deltamethrin, diazinon
or dimethoate. Spraying should
be done in mid May to early
June and again in mid July to
early August to control adults
prior to the egg-laying period.
For more information contact:
PFRA Shelterbelt Centre
Indian Head, Sask. S0G 2K0
Phone: (306) 695-2284 or Fax: (306) 695-2568
E-mail: pfratree@agr.gc.ca
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