Pest Update: Azalea Lace Bug

Author's Two Cents: Native to Japan, the azalea lace bug,?Stephanitis pyroides, was introduced to the United States in the early 1900’s by the movement of its host species, azaleas. The azalea lace bug has become a destructive pest to azaleas in the eastern United States. This bug causes damage by sucking out the fluid of the leaves from the underside. The translaminar properties of Insect growth regulators like proxite, make foliar applications effective by targeting both the underside and outer side of the leaf. Additionally, timely applications of systemic insecticides have proven to be successful. Failed treatments typically occur when systemic treatments are applied too late or foliar applied products to not applied to the underside of the leaf thoroughly.

Susceptible Hosts: Azalea

Signs of Damage:

• Discolored spots or bleaching of upper leaf surface
• Leaves can become whitish, dehydrated, and defoliation may occur
• Female deposits eggs along the leaf vein leaving dark spot

Physical Appearance:

• The adult is 1/8 inch long with light brown legs and antennae
• Wings are lace-like and transparent
• Nymphs are colorless as they emerge, but soon turn black and spiny
• Eggs are white, smooth, and flask shaped with a neck to one side

Biology/ Lifecycle:

• Nymphs hatch in early spring (448-618 GDD) and begin feeding on

the underside of the leaves before molting 5 times as they become adults

• Adults mate and females lay eggs by mid-summer
• 2nd Generation emerges (802-1029 GDD)
• Depending on location, a 3rd generation is possible in late summer or early fall
• The eggs of the last generation overwinter in the egg stage on the underside of the leaves along the veins.

Treatment Strategies:

Beginning October 31,2023, the state of New Jersey is restricting the sale or use of any neonicotinoid pesticide in the state excluding agriculture. These tools have become a cornerstone of plant health care companies across the country and allow for amazing operational flexibility. In a couple of short months plant health care programs will have to transition to alternative treatment options.?If you would like support with transitioning away from neonicotinoids, please reach out to myself 215-205-8674, Mark Ware Jr , or Rainbow Ecoscience technical support (1-877-272-6747) for assistance.?