Peach tree borer

The Peach tree borer (lat. Sanninoidea exitiosa) is a destructive moth species belonging to the family Sesiidae (order Lepidoptera). This insect is considered a serious economic pest, specifically targeting stone fruit trees by attacking the cambium layer beneath the bark.

This pest primarily infests peach, nectarine, apricot, cherry, and plum trees. While it can attack trees of all ages, it is most lethal to younger saplings. Repeated attacks can cause a decline in overall tree vigor, leading to poor fruit production, delayed growth, and, in severe cases, the complete death of the host tree.

The life cycle of the peach tree borer typically consists of one generation per year. Adult females emerge in summer and deposit eggs on the bark near the base of the trunk. Once hatched, the larvae immediately burrow into the bark to feed, which eventually leads to the formation of extensive feeding galleries in the phloem and cambium tissues.

The primary symptom of an infestation is the presence of masses of gum (gummosis) mixed with sawdust-like frass on the lower trunk or at the root crown. This feeding damage disrupts the tree's vascular system, blocking the transport of water and nutrients, which results in leaf chlorosis, canopy thinning, and structural instability of the tree.

• Implementation of pheromone traps to monitor adult flight activity and density.
• Application of specialized trunk sprays during the peak egg-laying period.
• Maintenance of clean, weed-free areas around the base of the tree to discourage egg-laying.
• Manual inspection and probing of larval galleries to physically remove the pests.
• Utilization of biological control agents or nematode applications where applicable.