Ash Plant Bug

Scientific Name: Tropidosteptes amoenus

Ash plant bugs cause damage by their feeding. When they burrow into the leaf with their mouth parts (stylets) they inject saliva, which aids in digestion and uptake of the plant cell contents. The saliva destroys chloroplasts leaving white spots on the leaves and in severe infestations can cause leaf curling, distortion, and may eventually cause the leaf to die. Fortunately, this pest is easily controlled by both systemic and contact insecticides.

 
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Ash Plant Bug

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Attacks: White, green, and blue ash species

What you will see:
 
  • Yellowish white spots “stippling” on leaves
  • Large brown areas on leaf
  • Leaf drop and/or deformation of the leaf
  • Small black spots on bottom side of leaf
  • Active black and red nymphs in May and July

Life cycle:
 
  • Eggs overwinter on twigs and branches
  • Eggs hatch at bud break in the spring
  • First generation feed for 3-4 weeks
  • Mate and lay eggs that hatch in seven to ten days
  • Second generation from July through August
  • Eggs laid in July and August hatch the following spring

Cultural Management of Ash Plant Bug

Cultural practices:
 
  • Increase nectar sources for predators by planting flowering plants nearby
  • Fertilize according to Arborist recommendation
  • Mulch with Prescription Organic Matter©

Chemical practices:

Ash plant bug is susceptible to both systemic and topical insecticides. Please consult with your Arborist for recommendations.