Apricot Tree Pests: How to Identify and Control Them

If you have an apricot tree in your garden, you know how rewarding it can be to grow and harvest your own fruit. However, like any plant, apricot trees are susceptible to pests that can damage or even kill the tree if left unchecked. In this article, we will discuss some common apricot tree pests and how to identify and control them.

1. Aphids

Aphids are tiny insects that suck the sap from apricot leaves, causing them to curl and turn yellow. They also excrete a sticky substance called honeydew that attracts ants and can lead to black sooty mold on the leaves. To control aphids, you can spray the tree with a strong stream of water to knock the aphids off or use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Ladybugs and lacewings are natural predators that can also help control aphid populations.

Aphids on apricot tree.

2. Peach Twig Borer

The peach twig borer is a small moth whose larvae bore into the apricot tree's twigs and branches, causing them to die back. You may notice a gum-like resin on the bark where the borer has entered. To control peach twig borers, you can spray the tree with an insecticide containing spinosad during the growing season.

Peach twig borer larvae on apricot tree.

3. Oriental Fruit Moth

The oriental fruit moth is another type of moth whose larvae feed on apricot fruit, leaving behind brown, rotten areas on the surface. You may also notice holes in the fruit where the larvae have entered. To control oriental fruit moths, you can use pheromone traps or spray the tree with insecticides containing spinosad or carbaryl during the growing season.

Oriental fruit moth damage on apricot fruit.

4. Brown Rot

Brown rot is a fungal disease that affects apricot fruit, causing them to turn brown and soft and eventually shrivel up and fall off the tree. The fungus thrives in warm, humid conditions and can spread quickly throughout the tree if not controlled. To prevent brown rot, you should remove any infected fruit from the tree and prune away any dead or diseased wood. You can also apply a fungicide spray during the growing season to protect the fruit.

Brown rot on apricot fruit.

5. Spider Mites

Spider mites are tiny, spider-like creatures that suck the sap from apricot leaves, causing them to turn yellow and drop prematurely. You may notice fine webbing on the undersides of the leaves where the mites have been active. To control spider mites, you can spray the tree with a strong stream of water to knock them off or use insecticidal soap. Predatory mites and lady beetles can also help control spider mite populations.

Spider mites on apricot leaf.

6. Scale Insects

Scale insects are small, oval-shaped insects that attach themselves to apricot branches and feed on the sap. They secrete a waxy coating that can make them look like part of the tree bark. Heavy infestations of scale insects can weaken the tree and cause it to produce fewer fruit. To control scale insects, you can scrape them off the branches with a soft brush or use horticultural oil to smother them.

Scale insects on apricot branch.

Apricot tree pests can be a challenge to deal with, but with the right knowledge and tools, you can keep your tree healthy and productive. By identifying the signs of common pests and using appropriate methods to control them, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of delicious apricots year after year.

Aphids, Peach Twig Borer, Oriental Fruit Moth, Brown Rot, Spider Mites, Scale Insects