Pine trees turn yellow and needles fall off from brown aphids. What to do?

Pine is an evergreen tree that is a real decoration of forests in Ukraine, however, the plant often turns yellow, the needles fall off, and as a result, it loses its aesthetic and environmental value, as well as resistance to low temperatures, dryness, wind and air pollution.

The activity of insect pests has a particularly negative impact on the health and beauty of pine trees. One of the most common of them for pine, spruce, and other conifers in Ukraine is brown aphid (Latin: Aphis pini). The insect feeds on pine sap and causes yellowing of the needles. How to detect, prevent and control brown aphids on pine?

In this article, we will explain how to spot, prevent the spread of brown aphids and protect pine trees from this pest.

How do I spot brown aphids in a timely manner?

The brown aphid is a small insect with a dark brown or black body, red eyes and a long stigma that it uses to pierce pine needles and suck out the sap. Brown aphids have two forms: winged and wingless.

Winged aphids appear in late summer and early autumn when they are looking for new host plants.

Brown aphid (Latin: Aphis pini) Photo from https://vkazivka.com/

Wingless aphids live on pine trees throughout the year, forming colonies on needles, shoots and cones. Brown aphids secrete honeydew, a sweet liquid that is trapped by black fungal mould, which gives the pine an unpleasant appearance and smell.

Fallen needles with signs of mould.

In addition, brown aphids transmit various diseases, such as fusarium, schutte, and rust. That is why, if you notice the first signs of damage on a pine tree, do not hesitate, as timely preventive measures can help save the plant.

Brown aphids can be spotted by the following signs:

 – The presence of dark brown or black insects on the needles, shoots and cones of the pine tree, which can be seen with the naked eye or a loupe.

– The presence of honeydew, a sweet liquid secreted by aphids that is covered by black fungal mould, which gives the pine an unpleasant appearance and smell.

– Ants are attracted to honeydew, and ants protect aphids from predators.

– The presence of damage to the pine, such as yellowing, falling, deformation of needles, shoots and cones, reduced growth, flowering, fruiting, and eventually death.

 Rules for preventing the spread of brown aphids

Brown aphid is a dangerous pest, it is better to prevent its appearance on your land in time than to eliminate the consequences of this insect. In order to prevent its appearance and spread on pine, you should follow these rules:

 – Choose healthy, strong, aphid-resistant pine varieties for planting that are suitable for the local climate, soil, and lighting.

 – Adhere to the optimal planting density to ensure sufficient ventilation and lighting for the pine tree, as well as to avoid competition for sufficient nutrients for optimal development and growth.

– Ensure regular and rational care of the pine tree, including watering, fertilising, pruning, cleaning of dry and diseased leaves, needles, shoots, cones.

– Prevent the appearance of aphids by following the rules of crop rotation, sanitation, quarantine, and biological control.

Controlling brown aphids. It is worth knowing

If brown aphids have already appeared on a pine tree, you need to take immediate action to kill them and save the plant. Pine aphids can be effectively controlled by the following means: remove or destroy all infected parts of the pine tree; treat the pine tree with special preparations such as insecticides, acaricides, nematicides.

Pine aphids are a pest that can make you feel bad and ruin your harvest. However, if you monitor the condition of your pine tree and take timely action, you can get rid of it and enjoy the beauty and benefits of your garden, vegetable plot or household plot.

 If you need professional advice, assistance, tips to help identify and eliminate aphids or other problems, please contact us at: +380632851405