Lesser Peach Tree Borer (LPTB)/Peach Tree Borer

Pest activity cannot be properly relayed via regional crop report. Borers are site specific and generally not monitored under individual or regional programs.

Pheromone traps plus visual examination of tree trunks and major scaffolds.
Lesser peachtree borer (Synanthedon pictipes) and (greater) peachtreee borer (S. exitiosa) are site specific pests. Population and damage levels for these pests is not generally studied but monitoring in the summer of 2006 showed mixed populations of LPTB and GPTB at three orchard sites in Niagara-on-the-lake. LPTB was historically more common in Essex/Kent where controls were required on a more regular basis but these pests are now a significant problem in some Niagara orchards. Controls are needed most during orchard establishment period.

2-4 pheromone-baited 'sticky' traps/site for LPTB and GPTB
Examination of infected canker sites
Pheromone traps to predict adult activity at problem sites. Adults mate and females begin laying eggs soon after emergence. First spray within 1 or 2 days of first flight in spring (mid to late May for LPTB and mid to late June for GPTB). Second spray 10-12 days later where possible

OFM sprays fall within period of LPTB activity. Standard practice of growers dropping spray nozzles to cover trunks has replaced routine LPTB sprays in Niagara. However, air blast sprayer application of pesticides is not very effective for borer control.
Hand-gun applications give better coverage of trunks and lower scaffold limbs but are labour intensive.
Mating disruption technology for borers is available and considered very effective in other jurisdictions.

Thiodan dipping of trees at planting still recommended. (check with nursery).
Thiodan trunk spray - two sprays required at sites with significant borer activity.
Trunk sprays encouraged on young non-bearing trees if site has a history of borer damage.

Crops