Red Gum Lerp Psyllid
The red gum lerp psyllid (RGLP, Glycaspis brimblecombei) is a exotic foliar pest on red gum and other eucalyptus trees (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) primarily in California.
RGLP is a plant-juice sucking homopteran in the family Psyllidae. Like Eucalyptus trees, the RGLP is native to Australia. RGLP was first discovered in California in 1989 and since has spread throughout the state. RGLP has also spread to Arizona, Florida and Hawaii. The nymphs form a protective covering of crystallized honeydew called a lerp, which protects the insects from both predators and insecticidal foliar sprays. Excess honey dew results in the growth of sooty mold. The RGLP is responsible for extensive defoliation of Red Gum Eucalyptus trees. Heavy infestations result in reduced tree health, decline and ultimately, tree loss.
Common Symptoms
Trees infested by RGLP have leaves covered in “lerps,” blackened by sooty mold and drop leaves. Honeydew from eucalyptus trees may also be an indication of RGLP infestation.
Treatments
Arborjet recommends a trunk injection using IMA-jet®, (imidacloprid) a systemic insecticide for the control of RGLP. IMA-jet disrupts the central nervous system in insects.
When To Treat
Generally, the best seasons for injection are fall and spring, as uptake occurs when trees are actively transpiring. The environmental conditions that favor uptake are adequate soil moisture and relatively high humidity. Soil temperature should be above 40 degrees F for trunk injection. Tree health will affect treatment efficacy, so assess tree health prior to treating.
What To Expect After Treatment
Trees will re-foliate, proportional to the level of infestation at the time of treatment. Best outcomes are seen when applications are made early to trees. Trees that have been repeatedly defoliated by RGLP without treatment will have a poorer prognosis for recovery.
References And Photo Credits
Main photo, Red gum lerp Psyllid stages, RGLP infested leaves- taken by Jack Kelly Clark, University of California Statewide IPM Program
RGLP Lerp & nymph taken by Alice Abela FLICKR
