Do you want to know what are the pests of the almond tree? It is interesting to know them, since this way we will know what are the symptoms and damages that they produce, as well as what measures we must take so that our tree can return to normal.
Although there are not many, since it is a fairly resistant plant, it is important to bear in mind that some of them, if allowed to act freely, weaken it a lot.
Almond tree pests
Mites
As the Red spider and the yellow spider, which are two tetraniquid mites that feed on the sap of the leaves. It is easy to distinguish them, since they weave cobwebs that they use to move from one leaf to another, or from one branch to another. In addition, you can see as reddish or yellowish dots that move through the beam of the foliage.
The clearest symptoms are progressive yellowing of the leaves due to mite attacks and plant weakening. It is important to be alert to the types of aphids that can affect the almond tree. For more effective care and to prevent these pests, it is essential to know how to take care of an almond tree.
Almond borer
Image - Flickr / trebol_a
It is a beetle (from the beetle family) whose scientific name is Scolytus amidali that in its adult phase it feeds on the branches of trees that are growing vigorously, and in its larval phase it feeds instead on the trees that are already weak.
One of the most obvious symptoms is sap exudation, similar to gummosis, apart from defoliation, decreased productivity and slower growth. For optimal almond tree care, it is also useful to know on almond diseasesIf you notice that your tree is having problems, it is also advisable to read about the almond wasp.
Almond bud miner
Image - Flickr / Wildlife Gallery
The miners are larvae of some insects, in this case, of the species anarsia lineatella, that feed on the young shoots and that cause damage to the almonds. All this causes that newer leaves dry quickly leaving the rest of the branch and leaves green, and the fruit spoils. This problem can be more serious if the diseases that can affect the almond tree.
Almond aphid
It is an aphid that you will see very active in spring and summer. It also feeds on the sap of the leaves, as well as the flowers and tender branches, and in doing so produces a molasses that attracts fungi such as bold. There is also usually the presence of ants.
Symptoms are growth slowing, leaf drop, flower abortion, curling leaves,… and general weakness of the tree. For more details on how to combat these pests, you can consult the article on the green almond mosquito, a problem that can aggravate the situation of the almond tree.
How are they fought or eliminated?
Image - Sharein.org
So that the almond tree is healthy again, the use of insecticides approved for organic farming is highly recommended; that is, with products that we know in advance will not harm the plants, the environment, or ourselves. For this, we have potassium soap (for sale), neem oil (for sale), insecticidal oil (for sale), or even the "grandmother's remedies" that can be done at home. It's also important to know how to do this for comprehensive pest management.
Treatment should be started as soon as the first symptoms and/or damage are seen, and even earlier to prevent this, as this will be more effective. In addition, for better crop management, it is also advisable to read about the pests in dryland fruit trees.
I hope you now know what pest your almond tree has .