Stone fruit
Overview
Stone fruits are grown in the southern districts of Australia and include apricots, cherries, nectarines peaches and plums.
Stone fruits are characterised by fleshy edible mesocarp that encapsulates a single, often large, stone or pit, covered entirely by a tough outer skin.
Many stone fruit pests can be managed with biological controls.
- Spider mites such as Bryobia Mite and Two-Spotted Mite are controlled with Neoseiulus californicus (Californicus), Typhlodromus doreenae (Doreenae), Typhlodromus occidentalis (Occidentalis) and Phytoseiulus persimilis (Persimilis).
- Eriophyid and tarsonemid mites such as Peach Silver Mite (Aculus fockeui) can be controlled with Doreenae.
- Aphids attack stone fruits and are controlled with various aphid parasitic wasps: Aphidius colemani (Colemani), Aphidius ervi (Ervi), Aphelinus abdominalis (Aphelinus) and Diaeretiella rapae (Diaeretiella), as well as ladybirds, and Green Lacewings.
- Thrips such as Plague Thrips and Western Flower Thrips can be reduced with the predatory mites Neoseiulus cucumeris (Cucumeris) and Typhlodromips montdorensis (Montdorensis).
- Caterpillars of Light Browth Apple Moth, loopers and heliothis are suppressed by Trichogramma pretiosum (Trichogramma).
Natural enemies of these pests are likely to be active in orchards where broad-spectrum insecticides are not sprayed.
Signs you have Stone fruit pests
The key to controlling pests in your stone fruit crop effectively, is detecting them early and introducing beneficials at the right moment.
You can learn how to identify and control each key pest on its dedicated page.
Products you can use to control Stone fruit pests
Biological Services produces a range of products to control pests among stone fruit.
Other tips for managing pests in your Stone fruit
Your local Biological Services consultant can provide year-round, professional crop monitoring and expert IPM program advice.
Get tailored advice for your commercial crop
To speak with one of our qualified consultants about your current commercial crop challenge or to learn about the benefits of the IPM maintenance and monitoring services we provide, contact us.
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