Protecting Your Plum Harvest from Plum Curculio Infestations

Plum curculios are tiny beetles that can cause big problems for plum growers. These pests lay their eggs inside developing fruit, causing them to become misshapen and inedible. If left unchecked, a plum curculio infestation can destroy an entire crop. In this article, we will explore the best strategies for protecting your plum harvest from these pesky insects.

Understanding Plum Curculios

Plum curculios are small, brownish-black beetles that are less than half an inch long. They emerge from hibernation in early spring and begin to search for developing fruit to lay their eggs. Female curculios use their snouts to make a crescent-shaped cut in the fruit's skin, where they then deposit a single egg. This process causes a characteristic scar on the fruit's surface and creates an entry point for disease and other pests.

Once the egg hatches, the larvae burrow into the flesh of the plum, where they feed and grow until they eventually exit the fruit and drop to the ground to pupate. A single female curculio can lay dozens of eggs, which means that an infestation can quickly spiral out of control if measures are not taken to prevent it.

Preventing Plum Curculio Infestations

The best way to protect your plums from curculio infestations is to take preventative measures before the pests have a chance to lay their eggs. Here are some effective strategies:

Monitor Your Orchard

Regularly inspect your plum trees for signs of curculio activity. Look for the distinctive crescent-shaped scars on developing fruit, as well as for any fruit that appears misshapen or damaged. Be sure to check both the upper and lower surfaces of leaves for adult insects, which can be shaken from branches onto a sheet held beneath the tree.

Remove Fallen Fruit

Curculios can survive in fallen fruit, so it's important to remove any plums that fall to the ground and dispose of them away from the orchard. Composting can be a great way to dispose of fruit, but if you do compost, be sure to turn the pile regularly and avoid using the finished compost near your orchard.

Use Surround WP Crop Protectant

Surround WP is a kaolin clay-based product that provides a protective barrier against curculios and other pests. It works by creating a particle film that interferes with insect feeding and oviposition. Surround WP is safe for people, pets, and beneficial insects, making it an excellent alternative to harsh chemical pesticides. Apply Surround WP when fruit are roughly marble-sized and repeat applications every 7-10 days until harvest.

Consider Netting

Netting is another effective strategy for protecting your plums from curculios. Cover the entire tree with a fine mesh netting, making sure to seal all openings tightly to prevent insects from getting inside. This method can be time-consuming and labor-intensive, but it can be very effective if done properly.

Plum curculios can be a serious threat to your plum harvest, but with the right strategies in place, you can protect your trees and enjoy a bountiful crop. By monitoring your orchard, removing fallen fruit, using Surround WP crop protectant, and considering netting, you can minimize the risk of curculio infestations and ensure that your plums are healthy, delicious, and pest-free.

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