Skip to content. | Skip to navigation

You are here: Home Our Resources Library Citations Biology and managemen...

Biology and management of the horned oak gall wasp on pin oak

Reference Type
Journal, Research (Article)

"The horned oak gall wasp (Callirhytis cornigera) induces large, woody galls on twigs of oak; these galls can disfigure trees and result in extensive branch dieback. This paper reviews our recent research on the pest’s biology and management on cultivated pin oaks (Quercus palustris) in Lexington, Kentucky, U.S., especially aspects that are of greatest relevance to tree care professionals. The gall wasp has alternating agamic (all female) and sexual generations that develop, respectively, in multi-chambered twig galls and single-chambered leaf galls along veins. Wasp development required about 33 months in twig galls and about 3 months in leaf galls. The number of gall wasps developing within twig galls ranged from 1 to 160, and was dependent on gall size. Numerous other insects, including parasitoids and inquilines, were found within the galls. Natural enemies accounted for high mortality of C. cornigera, especially in the leaf-galling generation where 70% to 80% of the larvae were parasitized. The dogwood borer (Synanthedon scitula) infested about 15% of the succulent 2- to 3- year-old twig galls. Adult S. scitula moths had a similar, bimodal emergence period regardless of whether they riginated from dogwoods or horned oak galls. Insecticidal controls targeting the leaf galling stage of C. cornigera killed the pest, but also its parasitoids. Therefore, no reduction in the number of twig stem galls was achieved. Difficulties in managing this pest in outbreak situations are discussed." [Abstract]

Authors
E.A. Eliason, D.A. Potter
Date Published
2001
Journal/Conference
Journal of Arboriculture
Publisher
International Society of Arboriculture
Publisher Location
Savoy, IL (US)
ISBN/ISSN
0278-5226
Volume/Issue/Number
27//2
Start Page
92
End Page
101
Sub-Topics
Diagnosis and Treatment, Insects
Keywords
Maintenance
Libraries
UMN
Personal tools

powered by Southern Regional Extension Forestry