Black-horned tree cricket

Systematic position: The black-horned tree cricket (Oecanthus nigricornis) is a member of the order Orthoptera, family Gryllidae. While often heard in the field due to its distinctive song, it is also recognized as an agricultural pest because of its egg-laying habits that affect woody plants.

Affected crops: This pest primarily targets brambles such as raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries. It also infests various fruit trees and woody ornamental shrubs, often selecting younger, succulent stems that are capable of supporting the eggs during the winter season.

Biology and life cycle: The species has a univoltine life cycle, meaning one generation per year. Females use their specialized ovipositors to drill rows of holes into the pith of stems, depositing eggs inside. These eggs overwinter protected within the plant tissue, hatching into nymphs in the late spring or early summer to continue the growth cycle.

Nature of damage: The damage is primarily caused by the female's oviposition activity. The series of holes weakens the structural integrity of the stems, making them prone to snapping under weight or wind pressure. These wounds also serve as entry points for bacterial and fungal pathogens, potentially leading to shoot blight and dieback.

Control measures: Management focuses on cultural practices, specifically the pruning and removal of infested canes during the winter or early spring before the eggs hatch. Burning or deep burial of the removed plant debris is crucial. While chemical insecticides can be used, they should be applied judiciously during the nymph emergence period to minimize impact on beneficial insects.