Black flies are the members of the Aphids group that feed mostly on ornamental plants, including Cherry trees, and cause harm to them.
Generally, you can recognize the presence of black flies on cherry trees by looking at the various signs, including curling leaves, yellow leaves, stunting growth, and ant prevalence on the tree. However, you can get rid of black flies with the help of neem oil, insecticidal soap, horticultural oil, and pyrethroids.
Go through the complete article to learn how to get rid of the black fly on the Cherry tree.
Table of Contents Show
Signs Of Black Fly On Cherry Tree
Black fly is a common pest of the Cherry tree (Prunus spp.) and many other plants.
Here are the symptoms a Cherry tree shows when attacked by a black fly.
- Presence of black or dark-colored insects: The most apparent sign of black flies on cherry trees is the presence of black or dark-colored tiny insects on leaves, stems, and other plant parts.
- Sticky residue: Black flies produce a sticky substance called honeydew as they feed on the plant’s sap. Furthermore, the Honeydew serves as a food medium for various fungi and bacteria.
- Leaf curl: The black fly feeds on the sap of the Cherry tree and affects the plant’s normal growth. As a result, the plant leaves show curling symptoms.
- Yellow leaves: Black Flies suck out all the nutrients from plants and cause yellowing of leaves.
- Stunted growth: In severe infections, the black flies can cease the growth of plants. This is due to the stress in Cherry Tree because of black flies.
- Ant disturbance: The ants that are attracted by Honeydews of black flies consume all the nutrients of plants and make them dull and unattractive.
Cherry trees are deciduous, shedding their leaves in the season of Fall. So, you can treat the tree with insecticides in the Fall so as to spread it properly all over the tree.
How To Get Rid Of Black Fly On Cherry Tree
Black fly infestations on Cherry tree involves a combination of preventive measures, including some cultural practices.
Some of the measures to get rid of black flies on Cherry trees are listed below.
- Physical removal: You can prune away the heavily infested branches using sterilized pruners. Furthermore, wipe away the flies with water to prevent the spread. However, remember to dispose of the pruned parts in the proper place.
- Let them compete: Encourage natural predators of black flies, including Ladybugs, Lacewings, and Parasitic wasps. They feed on black flies and naturally reduce their population.
- Neem oil or insecticidal soap: Spray the plant with Neem oil or insecticidal soap to decrease the black fly population.
- Horticultural oil: Application of Horticultural oil during the winter or dormant season when they are not actively growing. Moreover, you can follow recommendations for the appropriate use of horticultural oil.
- Pyrethroids: These synthetic insecticides are effective against various insects, including black flies. Moreover, these insecticides affect the nervous system of flies and ensure their death.
- Botanical insecticides: Essential oils derived from plants like Mint and Cinnamon help inhibit the growth of black flies.
From Editorial Team
Conclusion!
Cherry trees are popular for their beautiful Spring blossoms, which come in various colors, including white, pink, and red.
Furthermore, you can protect these blossoms from black flies with the help of the above-mentioned ways.
