What is a Tipu Psyllid?
The Tipu Psyllid (platycorypha nigrivirga) is an insect pest primarily native to South America that was first detected in San Diego County, California in 2008, according to data with CISR at UCR. This invasive pest targets the rosewood or Tipu tree, which is a popular ornamental shade tree in southern California. Psyllids are described as tiny insects that feed off the plant’s phloem. The psyllid larval nymphs and adults suck the juices out of the tree’s leaves, causing them to yellow and curl, and fall prematurely during the growing period.
Infested Tipu trees (tipuana tipu) are contaminated with masses of sticky honeydew produced by the psyllid adults and nymphs. This honeydew then falsl on nearby objects such as cars, sidewalks, etc. The copious amounts of honeydew lead to the growth of black sooty mold on leaves and branches. Tipu Psyllid infestations can lead to defoliated trees and the excessive honeydew excretion can cause fouling of objects beneath infested trees.
Tipu Psyllids have insect predators in their native South American habitat, but unfortunately, not yet here in California. Thus, the Tipu Psyllid population poses a significant threat to the health of California Tipu trees.
Follow the link for more information and to set up preventative treatments for your Tipuana trees.
Tipu Psyllid Prevention and Control
Aguilar Plant Care can provide preventative treatments that will help control and reduce Tipu psyllid populations, thus limiting the amount of sticky honeydew pellets and preventing further damage to plants, cars and property below the infested foliage. We offer multiple psyllid treatments, from tree spraying, soil/root drench, direct trunk “micro injections” and organic options.
Treatment options for Tipu Psyllids:
1) Foliar spray to the leaves and stems to knock down existing Adult and nymph populations.
2) Deep root injection/ drench to the immediate root zone using a systemic insecticide, along with nutrients and beneficials to help with uptake and absorption.
3) Direct trunk “micro” injection — this treatment injects the systemic insecticide directly inside the individual tree’s xylem. The xylem transports the insecticide to the foliage, helping provide residual control against feeding. This treatment is ideal for Tipuana trees with: small, compacted planters, or that are in high traffic areas, or drift sensitive areas (such as near pools, ponds, etc.).
4) Organic options help provide temporary knock down and control against Tipu Psyllid feeding.
With over 12 years of experience in dealing with this common pest, Aguilar Plant Care has the right treatment to help keep your trees healthy and beautiful.
