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| Black cherry aphid (BCA) feeding curls and stunts leaves, and deforms shoot growth. Commercial sweet cherry is the preferred and most susceptible host. Highly susceptible varieties include Black Tartarian, Napoleon, Schmidt and Windsor. Young cherry trees are especially susceptible to injury and can be killed if infestations are heavy. Severe infestations may also reduce the quantity and quality of the crop on mature trees. Overwintering BCA eggs hatch as cherry buds begin to open in April. Two to three generations are usually completed on cherry. Several summer generations are produced on alternate hosts, with winged adults returning to cherry orchards in September and October to mate and lay overwintering eggs. |
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BCA is readily distinguished from other aphids that may be present on cherry by the shiny metallic black coloration of both the adults and nymphs. Adults measure about 3.2 mm in length. |
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Additional information
- For more monitoring information and evaluation of available pesticides:
Michigan Fruit Management Guide
- MSU Diagnostic Services for assistance in pest identification.
- MSU Fruit Crop Advisory Team Alert newsletters for current pest/crop conditions.
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| This information was developed from A Pocket Guide for IPM Scouting in Stone Fruits by David Epstein, Larry J. Gut, Alan L. Jones and Kimberly Maxson-Stein. Purchase this in a pocket-sized guide for reference in the orchard from MSU Extension (publication E-2840). |
