Why the pear tree is weeping sticky sap
In spring, you may notice sticky droplets on your pear tree—a sure sign of a psyllid or leafhopper infestation. This insect is the first pest to emerge after winter, and it can cause irreparable damage to a pear orchard.
✔️ As soon as the temperature outside warms up to 3°C (3°F), the leafhopper emerges from its hiding places and flies around. Once a week, one leafhopper lays eggs—a clutch of 200 to 900. After about a month, new leafhoppers hatch from the eggs, and if left untreated, they will continue to appear until late fall.
✔️ The leafhopper flies in and settles on the tree's shoots, sucking the sap from the buds and tender, newly emerged leaves, then moves on to the flowers and fruit. The pear tree's leaves curl, turn black, and photosynthesis is disrupted. The tree is experiencing nutritional deficiencies and may die.
✔️ The pest larvae secrete sticky sap, which forms droplets and falls to the ground. This phenomenon is called "crying pear." This sticky coating also attracts dirt, preventing the tree from breathing.
✔️ Psyllids are also dangerous because they transmit viruses and diseases. Psyllids are easily confused with whiteflies. However, they can also jump and make sounds like grasshoppers.
✔️ If this is detected, immediately rinse the tree with water. Water thoroughly with a hose and spray. Then spray the pear with a solution of Emix-Z – 1 tablespoon per 5 liters of water. To relieve stress and strengthen the immune system, water the pear at the roots with EM-humate – 2 capfuls per watering can, 2-4 watering cans per tree. ✔️ After flowering, fumigate with prepared tobacco smoke. You can place piles of slightly damp straw under the tree, mix it with tobacco dust, and set it on fire. The key is to let the straw smolder rather than burn. This method is detrimental to pests.
✔️ Infusions of bitter herbs with an EM preparation protect trees from attacks by many pests. Yarrow, wormwood, dandelion, and tansy are used for infusions. It is important to do these treatments after rain, in cloudy weather, or in the evening.
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