| I have several trees in my yard,some of them are pecan trees.I have already lost five trees and I'm desperate to rid the remaining trees of boers. Please help!! |
| Texas A & M has a publication on pecan tree borers. It reads: Flat-headed apple tree borers attack primarily unhealthy or newly transplanted pecan trees by burrowing into the bark and sap wood of large branches and the trunk. Often darkened depressed areas with traces of frass are evidence of their activity. Beneath these areas, shallow galleries packed with sawdust may be observed. Burrows are usually on the sunny side of the trunk or branch, but this insect may girdle young trees (often less than 2" in diameter). The insect is about 1/2 inch with a blunt head and tapering abdomen. The body is metallic dark green, corrugated, and flattened. The larva is creamy white, legless, and flattened and broadened immediately behind the head. This insect overwinters as a larva in the tree. Adults emerge in the spring or summer. Females lay eggs in bark cracks and injuries. There is one generation per year. These insects are attracted to trees in a devitalized condition induced by transplanting shock, drought, sun scald, wounds, or poor growing conditions. Keep trees well watered and moderately fertilized. Young or transplanted trees should be wrapped from ground level to the branches with burlap or heavy paper. Tie wrapping material with twine and leave in place for two years. Make sure the twine does not girdle the tree. Remove dead and dying limbs and trees from the orchard each year and burn them before the following spring. If practical, remove borers from infested trees with a thin wire. |
