Managing Wood-boring Insects Prevention
Since most wood-boring insects are considered secondary invaders, the first line of defense against infestation is to keep plants healthy. Proper care
of trees and shrubs discourages many borer pests and helps infested plants survive. Good sap f low from healthy, vigorously growing trees, for
example, defends the plant from damage by many borer pests. Good horticultural practices include:
Selecting well adapted species of trees and shrubs that are not commonly attacked by wood borers in your area. Arizona ash, birch, cottonwood,
locust, soft maple, f lowering stone fruits (such as peaches and plums), slash pines (in west Texas), willow and poplar are especially prone to
borer attack.
Choosing and preparing a good planting site to avoid plant stress, freeze damage, sun scald and wind burn.
Minimizing plant stress and stimulating growth by using proper watering and fertilization practices.
Avoiding injury to tree trunks from lawn mowers, weed trimmers or construction.
Promptly caring for wounded or broken plant parts using pruning or wound paint during all but the coldest months of the year.
Properly thinning and pruning during colder months.
Removing and destroying infested, dying or dead plants or plant parts, including fallen limbs.
Wrapping tree trunks and limbs with quarter-inch hardware cloth spaced about 1 1/2 inches from the tree’s surface where woodpecker damage is
likely.
entowww.tamu.edu
More:
google.yahoo.com |
