Biology and Management of the Eugenia Psyllid (Trioza eugeniae Froggatt)

Abstract

Management and biological studies were conducted on eugenia psyllid (Trioza eugeniae Froggatt) in California landscapes and at the University of California, Riverside (UCR) in 1989 and 1990. Eugenia psyllid females reproduced the year around in Ventura, California, and laid an average of 119 eggs per female at UCR. Shoot length and number of shoots after pruning were increased when an efficacious pesticide was applied at the time of pruning. Mavrik (fluvalinate) and Tame (fenpropathrin) provided excellent control of adult psyllids and were associated with increased quality of eugenia foliage. Sevin (carbaryl), Diazinon (diazinon), and Orthene (acephate) were not as effective as the pyrethroids in controlling this insect. Superior oil and Insecticidal soap did not control eugenia psyllid. Pruning as a treatment on individual shrubs was not an effective control of the insect, while pruning of an entire hedge was associated with dramatic decreases of psyllids.