The cultivation of almond trees (Almond) is one of the pillars of Mediterranean agriculture and other temperate regions. However, the profitability and quality of the harvest can be seriously compromised by the presence of various pests and diseases. Throughout the development of the almond tree, especially in periods of budding, flowering and fruiting, different organisms can attack leaves, shoots, fruits and roots, altering the normal development of the tree and reducing the quantity and quality of the fruit.
Understand which are the most relevant almond pests, how to identify them, their biology and life cycle, as well as the control strategies The most effective methods are essential for any farmer, agricultural technician, or hobbyist who wants to obtain healthy almonds and protect their investment. In this extensive and detailed article, you'll find everything you need to detect, prevent, combat, and comprehensively manage each of the almond tree's "enemies," integrating conventional, ecological, cultural, and biological practices, while always maintaining the most comprehensive and up-to-date information.
Main almond pests and their identification
The most frequent and damaging pests in almond trees can be classified according to the organ they attack and the stage of the cycle in which they occur most frequently. Among the most notable are:
- Green aphid (Myzus persicae and other species): It mainly attacks young shoots and tender leaves.
- Red spider (Panonychus ulmi): Causes damage to leaves, reducing photosynthetic capacity.
- Almond Tiger (Monosteira unicostata): Causes curling and discoloration of leaves.
- Green almond mosquito (Jacoisca lybica): It feeds on the sap, causing deformations and necrosis.
- Shoot miner (anarsia lineatella): Mainly affects young shoots and fruits.
- Big-headed worm (Capnodis tenebrionis): Severe damage to roots and woody parts.
- Almond wasp (Eurytoma amygdali): Pierces and destroys the interior of the fruit.
- Almond caterpillar (Ectomyelois ceratoniae y Aglaope infausta): Attacks leaves and fruits in different larval stages.
- Almond borer (Ruguloscolytus amygdali): Beetle that undermines branches and shoots, causing drying and bud fall.
Correct identification is crucial to adopt the control strategies more appropriate, avoiding economic losses and greater damage to the crop.
Almond red spider (Panonychus ulmi): symptoms and control
La Red spider It is a mite that, initially considered a secondary pest, has increased its importance in recent years due to its direct and indirect damage to the production and health of trees.
- ID: Adults present a size less than 0,5 mmTheir color changes with the seasons: reddish in autumn, greenish in summer. They are usually found on the underside of leaves.
- Symptoms: The leaves show spots yellows due to sap suction, progressive yellowing, curling, and, in severe infestations, premature tree fall. This reduces the tree's photosynthetic capacity and weakens it.
- Biological cycle: They overwinter as eggs in the trunk, reactivating in spring. In warm, dry conditions, their cycle accelerates, producing several generations per year.
Control and prevention:
- Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization, as it promotes the growth of tender tissue susceptible to attack.
- Encourage the presence of natural predators such as Amblyseius californicus and other phytoseiid mites.
- In organic farming, the use of natural products such as maltodextrin and vegetable oils can be an effective alternative.
- If chemical control is essential, use specific acaricides, alternating active ingredients to avoid resistance. Always apply according to technical recommendations and only when population thresholds justify it.
Green aphid and other species (Myzus persicae, Brachycaudus amygdalinus): damage and management strategies
El green aphid and other species of aphids make up one of the most dangerous groups of insects for almond trees, not only because of their direct damage, but also because of their ability to transmit viruses and facilitate the appearance of fungal diseases.
- ID: Green aphids, from 1-2 mm in length, with a smooth and soft appearance. They colonize young shoots and leaves.
- Symptoms: Twisted or coiled shoots with colonies inside, presence of viscous molasses, sooty mold, and general weakening of the tree. In severe cases, leaves and young fruit may fall.
- Biological cycle: The eggs spend the winter at the base of the buds. As temperatures rise, the first nymphs emerge, producing several generations during the spring.
Control strategies:
- Periodically monitor outbreaks and implement control strategies if the economic threshold is exceeded (5% of outbreaks affected).
- Promote the presence of natural enemies: ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitoid wasps They are great allies against aphids.
- Use potassium soap or mineral oils in organic farming for washing and colony reduction.
- In severe cases, the application of specific insecticides may be necessary, always following official recommendations and respecting the auxiliary fauna.
- Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization and water stress, which promote the proliferation of aphids.
Almond Tiger (Monosteira unicostata): attack and prevention measures
El almond tiger It is a bug considered among the most common and dangerous pests of crops, especially in warm and dry environments.
- ID: adults of 2-2,5 mm, yellowish-brown, with dark stripes and a black underpart. The eggs are ellipsoidal and white.
- Symptoms: Appearance of excrement, honeydew and shed debris on the underside of the leaf, curling and yellowish-white mosaic discoloration on the upper surface, reduction of photosynthesis and premature leaf fall.
- Biological cycle: Three to four generations per year, with development favored by high temperatures and drought. They overwinter as adults in bark and leaf litter.
Management measures:
- Review the plantation, especially in plots that have had severe attacks in previous years.
- Maintain adequate density and ventilation and avoid highly sensitive varieties.
- Remove dry leaves and plant debris in winter to reduce shelters.
- Chemical control should only be carried out if the incidence exceeds 10% of affected shoots, choosing selective active ingredients that are respectful of the auxiliary fauna.
Green almond mosquito (Jacoisca lybica): biology, symptoms and control
El green mosquito It is a sucking insect that attacks leaves and tender shoots, weakening the tree and affecting growth.
- ID: Adults green, elongated, about 4 mm. Nymphs are similar but smaller.
- Cycle: It has five larval stages, with adults active from late winter to summer. The eggs are laid in the veins of the leaves.
- Symptoms: Curl, yellow spots, reduced growth and deformation of leaf tissue.
Control: Use chromatic traps to monitor and control adults, prevent excessive vegetation, and apply specific phytosanitary products only when the number of nymphs increases to critical levels.
Shoot miner (anarsia lineatella): damage and integrated control
La shoot miner, or Anarsia, is a lepidopteran that seriously affects shoots and fruits, especially in spring and summer.
- ID: Adult butterfly measures 10-16 mm, with gray wings with light and dark markings. Larvae measure up to 15 mm, with a black head and a whitish and brown ringed body.
- Cycle: Overwintering as larvae in bark or buds. Several generations per year (at least three), with severe attacks in spring and summer.
- Damage: The larvae excavate galleries in shoots and fruits (causing gummosis and wilting), and devour seeds, causing fruit drop.
Management strategies:
- Cut and remove affected shoots before adults emerge.
- Use pheromone traps to monitor and reduce the adult population.
- Carry out phytosanitary treatments during egg hatching, using authorized active ingredients and prioritizing integrated control to prevent the development of resistance.
Big-headed worm (Capnodis tenebrionis): threatens the roots of the almond tree
El big-headed worm It is considered one of the worst pests for almond trees due to its destructive capacity on the roots and neck of the tree, which can lead to the death of the specimen.
- ID: Black adults with white spots, males of 15-20 mm and females of 20-30 mm. Yellowish-white larvae, segmented, reaching 60-70 mm.
- Cycle: Biannual, with two generations of larvae occurring in roots. Adults emerge in spring and lay eggs in summer.
- Damage: Main damage to roots (visible sawdust and galleries), weakening, defoliation, fruit and branch drop, and, finally, death of the tree.
How to combat it:
- Use abundant irrigation during laying season to destroy eggs.
- Remove and destroy infested trees along with their root system.
- Apply selective chemical treatments to adult emergence, always following current regulations.
- Promote biodiversity and the presence of natural enemies in the crop environment.
Almond wasp (Eurytoma amygdali): cycle, damage and control strategies
La almond wasp It is a hymenopteran whose larvae bore into and consume the interior of the almond, causing crop losses that can be devastating in susceptible varieties. In some areas, losses exceed 50% and can reach 90% in soft-shell almond trees.
- ID: Black adults (females 7-8 mm, males 4-6 mm), whitish eggs, white larvae up to 10 mm.
- Cycle: Only one complete generation per year. Laying takes place in spring inside the young fruit. Larvae feed on the seed throughout the cycle. In winter, the larvae pupate and emerge as adults the following spring.
- Damage: Empty and smaller almonds, fruits that do not fall during harvesting, and almonds that turn black over time.
Control:
- Removal and destruction of affected fruits to interrupt the biological cycle.
- Selection of resistant varieties (hard shell, early flowering).
- Chemical treatments are only effective on adults; once they have laid their eggs, the larvae are inaccessible within the almond.
- Monitoring with traps to determine the optimal time for applying phytosanitary products.
Almond caterpillar (Ectomyelois ceratoniae y Aglaope infausta): damage and control
La almond caterpillar It includes several species of Lepidoptera that affect both leaves and fruits at different stages of the tree's development.
- Identification (Ectomyelois ceratoniae): adults of 2-3 cm, dark grey in colour and with angular spotted wings. Pink larvae with a brown head.
- Identification (Aglaope infausta): Small butterfly, grey forewings and red hindwings on the basal half, black ringed body.
- Cycle: Several generations per year. The larvae may overwinter and resume their activity when the almond tree buds.
- Damage: Galleries on fruit, black droppings, gummy exudations, destruction of leaf tissue except for the central vein.
Driving:
- Use of resistant varieties.
- Traps for monitoring and tracking adult flight.
- Application of authorized phytosanitary products at the time of maximum vulnerability of the pest.
Almond borer (Ruguloscolytus amygdali): symptoms and prevention
El borer It is a beetle that usually attacks weakened trees or trees previously affected by other agents, causing galleries in young branches and the fall of buds.
- ID: Elongated, dark beetle, 2,5-3 mm, light-colored larvae.
- Biological cycle: Up to four generations per year. Adults emerge in spring, make galleries, and attach themselves to young shoots. They overwinter on branches.
- Symptoms: Drying of shoots, bud drop, gummy exudations on affected branches.
Control:
- Removal and burning of affected parts if galleries and wintering larvae are detected.
- Frequent monitoring, especially if neighboring plots are affected.
- Currently, there are no specific authorized plant protection products; control must be based on good cultural practices and constant monitoring.
Importance of fungal diseases associated with the action of pests
Many pests act as a vector or facilitator for the entry and proliferation of pathogenic fungi, such as ochre stain (Polystigma fulvum), screening (Stigmina carpophila), brown rot or monilia (Monilia lax), dent (Taphrina deformans), branch canker (Phomopsis amygdali) and rusts (Tranzschelia pruni-spinosae). The presence of aphids and mealybugs, for example, generates honeydew and promotes secondary diseases such as bold (Cladosporium spp.).
- The integration of preventive strategies, including the use of authorized fungicides (copper, triazoles, strobilurins) after petal fall and in the control of infections throughout the vegetative cycle.
- In organic farming, copper and bacterial extracts (Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens) have proven effective in reducing the incidence of fungal diseases, while natural products such as garlic extract, nettle or horsetail add preventive and curative effects.
Modern approaches to integrated pest and disease control in almonds
The global trend is the adoption of integrated approaches known as integrated pest and disease management (IPM), which combine the maximum number of tools to reduce the use of chemicals, optimize the effectiveness of treatments and protect the agroecosystem.
- Biologic control: Introduction and conservation of predators and parasitoids, such as ladybugs, lacewings, phytoseiid mites, parasitoid wasps and entomopathogenic bacteria.
- Physical and cultural control: Sanitary pruning, destruction of plant debris, elimination of diseased trees or those with recurring pests, crop rotation and diversification to break biological cycles.
- Guided chemical control: Responsible and selective use of pesticides—only at the threshold of economic damage—and always alternating active ingredients to avoid resistance.
- Soil management and biodiversity: Crop rotation, use of plant cover, rational irrigation and fertilization management, planting species that attract pollinators and natural predators.
- Modern technologies: Implementation of color traps, pheromone traps, digital monitoring, weather sensors, and predictive infestation models.
Recommended practices in organic farming for almond pest control
In organic and ecological production, pest control in almond trees requires a particularly preventative and systematic strategy, avoiding the use of synthetic products and respecting auxiliary fauna and the environment.
- Increase biodiversity by planting hedges and flowers attractive to natural enemies.
- Use products of natural origin: Neem oil, potassium soap, plant extracts, maltodextrin, copper and sulfur.
- Soil management through cover crops, rotations, and reduced tillage to increase soil and tree resilience.
- Rigorous sanitary pruning, collection and destruction of pruning remains and fallen fruit.
- Use of pheromone and color traps to detect and intervene early in the presence of key pests.
Monitoring, diagnosis and decision-making: keys to successful control
Continuous monitoring, through visual inspections, leaf pest counting, traps, and digital technology, is essential for:
- Early detection of pests and diseases.
- Determine the threshold for action and avoid unnecessary treatments.
- Assess the effectiveness of the practices and products applied.
- Prevent severe damage and the development of resistance.
It is recommended to record all treatments performed, including dates, products, doses, and environmental conditions, and adjust future strategies based on the results obtained.
Advanced phytosanitary management: phytosanitary products and adjuvants
The rational and safe use of phytosanitary products remains key to pest control in almond trees in many cases. The main product families used are:
- Systemic insecticides (e.g. spirotetramat for aphids and mealybugs, natural pyrethrins).
- acaricides for the control of red spider and associated mites.
- Fungicides (copper, triazoles, strobilurins, antagonistic bacteria, etc.).
- Bactericides and products of organic origin (e.g. Bacillus subtilis).
- Adjuvants (activators, surfactants, penetrants and adherents) to improve application effectiveness, optimize absorption and reduce losses due to drift or washing.
Agricultural professionals must select the best combinations based on the almond tree's phenology, the target pest, and the specific conditions of each farm.
Innovation and future prospects in almond pest control
Smart agriculture and research are driving new advances in pest management:
- Development of almond varieties resistant to specific pests.
- Biocontrol by entomopathogenic organisms.
- Monitoring with sensors, weather stations, and digitalized early warning systems.
- Use of drones for localized inspection and application of treatments.
- Innovation in new product formulations and reduction of active ingredients.
Effectively managing almond pests and diseases requires a deep understanding of their biology and the most advanced management techniques. Adopting a preventive approach, conserving biodiversity, and combining physical, cultural, biological, and chemical strategies will keep almond trees healthy and productive for many years, minimizing risks to the environment and human health.
