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| BIRCH LEAFMINER |
Description
The adult sawfly is black, with dark translucent wings. In early to mid May they can be seen hovering around host trees and moving about on the foliage. It is important to not that these adults cannot be controlled. The larvae themselves are flat, clear to white in coloration, 1/6 3/16 and inch long with a brown head and tiny legs. Birches are not usually killed outright by leafminers. However, heavy attacks from leafminers causes severe stress to the tree, and make it very unsightly in the landscape. Birches under such stress are highly susceptible to attack from Bronze Birches Borer, which left untreated will kill your valuable Birch trees.
After the larvae have fed for approximately 2 weeks, they drop to the ground and construct cells of earth and pupate. The pupation lasts about 3 weeks. The second adult generation emerges in mid June to early July. This generation usually effects only new growth in the upper canopy, but, in bad years the entire tree may be effected again. A third generation can occur, although rarely, in late August. These larvae overwinter in cells 1-2 inches below the soil surface and pupate the flowing April. |
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How
to Treat
MAINTENANCE AND CONRTROL OF BIRCH LEAFMINE, and Bronze Birch Borer is typically comprised of a two part program. The first part consists of two systematic foliar sprays to control the leafminers. As the leafminers hatch and begin to feed, they ingest the insecticide and die. The foliage will remain green and attached. Some minor spotting may be noticed on leaves, generally whitish in color. This is the trees response to the Leafminer egg being laid into leaf tissue. This is natural, and dose not affect the beauty of the tree or its ability to complete photosynthesis. The second phase consist of one or two sprays to the bark areas of the tree, which is the followup treatment aimed at controlling the Bronze Birch Borer.
As is the case with any stressed tree, a fertilization program is recommended to increase energy reserves and vigor. In case of trees repeatedly stressed by these parts pests a Mauget Injection (directly into the trees sap stream) mat be necessary.
A properly maintained Birch can be virtually guaranteed a long healthy life that will beautify you landscape. |
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