In recent years conifers have been under attack by the Italian cypress aphid (Cinara cupressi) – charcoal grey, 3mm long aphids with no natural local predator enemies.  Cypress aphids begin their life cycle when the weather cools down in autumn. From April, they multiply rapidly and their numbers peak in June. Warm weather sends them back into hibernation and by October they have virtually disappeared.

 

Conifers are at their most vulnerable in autumn and winter. During these cool months cypress aphids suck sap from conifer twigs and branches. Whilst feeding, they excrete a potent toxin which causes foliage to turn brown. Heavy infestations cause the death of entire branches, but the irreversible damage is only evident in summer – too late to prevent it.

 

EFEKTO has an effective solution to the problem of cypress aphids. From late March onwards, you need to apply either root or stem protection using a systemic insecticide. Systemic insecticides enter a plant either through the leaves, young shoots (if sprayed onto the foliage) or roots (if applied to the soil), and are distributed via the sap stems to the entire plant. When the aphid sucks on a stem, it swallows poisoned sap. Insects beneficial to the ecosystem are therefore not affected.  To prevent permanent damage, apply systemic aphicides every two weeks during autumn, starting in mid-March, and once a month in winter.

 

The following conifers are particularly susceptible to cypress aphid attack, so make sure you protect them:
  -  Juniperus scopulorum ‘Skyrocket’
  -  Cupressus macrocarpa ‘Gold Crest’
  -  Cupressus sempervirens ‘Stricta’
  -  Cupressocyparis leylandii ‘Castlewellan Gold’

 

Another pest is scale, which can be controlled with mercaptothion or chlorpyrifos.