Pear psylla

Definition

A common name for psyllid species in the genus Cacopsylla, especially C. pyri (European pear psylla) and C. pyricola (pear psylla), that are specialist pests of pear trees (Pyrus spp.). These small hemipterans feed phloem sap with piercing-sucking mouthparts, causing direct damage through sap depletion, honeydew secretion that promotes sooty mold, and indirect harm via transmission of phytoplasma diseases such as pear decline. Heavy infestations distort foliage, reduce fruit set, and can cause premature fruit drop or tree decline.

Etymology

From English 'pear' (the host tree) + 'psylla' (from Greek psulla, flea, the root of family name Psyllidae for jumping plant lice).

Example

In Pacific Northwest orchards, integrated management of Cacopsylla pyricola combines early-season horticultural oil applications, conservation of predatory anthocorid bugs such as Deraeocoris brevis, and monitoring of egg hatch to time targeted insecticide sprays.

Synonyms

• pear psyllid
• pear sucking louse
• Cacopsylla pyri
• Cacopsylla pyricola

Related Terms

• psyllid
• jumping plant louse
• phloem feeder
• honeydew
• Sooty mold
• Pear decline
• Integrated Pest Management
• anthocorid
• Deraeocoris

Usage Notes

In North American agricultural extension literature, 'pear psylla' usually refers specifically to Cacopsylla pyricola, whereas European sources often apply the name to C. pyri. The two species are morphologically similar and share hosts, but differ in voltinism and cold-hardiness. The spelling 'psylla' predominates in scientific literature; 'psyllid' is more common in North American pest-management guides. The term is not applied to other Cacopsylla species that feed on apple, hawthorn, or unrelated hosts.