PEST

NAME
Fig Psyllid
Mycopsylla fici

ORDER
Hemiptera

FAMILY
Homotmidae

Description of the Pest
The fleshy adult is up to 10mm long and yellowish in colour. The greenish yellow nymph is flattened and does not produce its own covering. The sticky white sap that comes from the punctured leaf partly dries and forms a covering where the young can hide.
The larvae have piercing and sucking mouthparts.

Ficus macrophylla     

Period of Activity and Distribution of the Pest
Plants are attacked during the warmer months and the favourable conditions are unclear, but some years the pest is in plague proportions. It is commonly found in tropical to warm temperate climates.The fallen leaves are sticky and attaching to people and animals transferring the pest to other sites.

Life Cycle
This insect has a Hemimetabolouslife cycle, ie. When the immature nymphsresemble the adults.

Damage Caused
The damaged leaves develop yellow patches and fall prematurely as the nymphs and adults feed on the underside. If a tree has a heavy infestation it may completely defoliated and can lead to the death of the plant.



Susceptible Plants
This pest attacks Ficus species, particularly Ficus macrophylla.

Cultural Control
There is no effective cultural control, affected trees should be fertilised and watered to maintain vigour.

BiologicalControl
The syrphid fly (hover fly) is predatory and may reduce the infestation.

Chemical Control
It is difficult to control and contact chemicals have limited effect.
Note
Always read the label for registration details and direction of use prior to application of any chemicals.