Most Common Mulberry Plant Pests:
Identification and Treatment Guide

Mulberry plants are known for their delicious fruits and attractive foliage, making them a popular choice for gardeners. However, like any other plant, mulberries are susceptible to various pests that can cause damage to the plant and reduce fruit production. In this article, we will discuss the most common mulberry plant pests, how to identify them, and effective treatment methods to keep your mulberry plants healthy and thriving.

1. Mulberry Fruit Fly (Ceratitis capitata)

The mulberry fruit fly is a common pest that affects mulberry trees, especially during the summer months. Adult flies lay eggs on the surface of ripe or overripe mulberries, and the larvae burrow into the fruits, causing them to rot and drop prematurely. To identify an infestation of mulberry fruit flies, look for small puncture marks on the fruits and notice any signs of fruit decay.

Treatment:

• Sanitation: Regularly remove fallen fruits from the ground to prevent the larvae from pupating in the soil.
• Traps: Place yellow sticky traps around the mulberry trees to attract and trap adult fruit flies.
• Insecticides: Apply insecticides specifically labeled for fruit fly control according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

2. Mulberry Silkworm (Bombyx mori)

While silkworms are often associated with silk production, they can also be a pest for mulberry trees. Silkworms feed voraciously on mulberry leaves, defoliating the tree and reducing its overall health. If you notice holes in the leaves or complete defoliation of branches, it could be a sign of a silkworm infestation.

Treatment:

• Manual Removal: Handpick silkworms from the tree and drop them into a bucket of soapy water.
• Biological Control: Introduce natural predators such as birds, ladybugs, or lacewings to control the silkworm population.
• Insecticides: Use insecticides labeled for silkworm control, if necessary, following all safety precautions and instructions.

3. Mulberry Scale Insects (Pseudaulacaspis pentagona)

Scale insects are common pests that can infest mulberry trees. These small, oval-shaped insects attach themselves to the stems and leaves of the plant, sucking sap from the plant tissues. Scale infestations can weaken the mulberry tree and cause stunted growth. Look for small bumps or shells on the stems, branches, and undersides of leaves to identify a scale infestation.

Treatment:

• Pruning: Prune heavily infested branches to remove the majority of scale insects.
• Horticultural Oil Spray: Apply a horticultural oil spray during the dormant season to suffocate and kill scale insects.
• Biological Control: Encourage natural predators such as ladybugs, lacewings, or parasitic wasps that feed on scale insects.

4. Mulberry Twig Borers (Hypsipyla robusta)

Mulberry twig borers are destructive pests that primarily affect young mulberry trees. The larvae bore into the twigs and branches of the plant, causing dieback and weakening the overall structure. Look for entry holes and sawdust-like frass around the affected branches to identify a mulberry twig borer infestation.

Treatment:

• Pruning: Prune and destroy heavily infested branches during the dormant season.
• Chemical Treatment: Apply insecticides labeled for twig borer control to protect young mulberry trees from infestations.

5. Mulberry Webworm (Glyphodes pyloalis)

The mulberry webworm is a common pest that affects the leaves of mulberry trees. The larvae spin silken webs around the leaves and feed on them, causing defoliation if left untreated. Look for webbing on the leaves and notice any signs of skeletonization or complete leaf loss.

Treatment:

• Mechanical Control: Handpick and destroy the webs and larvae whenever possible.
• Biological Control: Introduce natural predators such as birds, spiders, or parasitic wasps to control the webworm population.
• Insecticides: Apply insecticides labeled for webworm control if the infestation is severe.

Conclusion

Identifying and treating common pests that affect mulberry plants is essential for maintaining their health and ensuring a bountiful harvest. Regular inspection of your mulberry trees, prompt action upon noticing any signs of infestation, and implementing appropriate treatment methods will help keep these pests at bay. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy healthy mulberry plants with abundant fruits for years to come.