Rutherglen bug

Rutherglen bug (Nysius vinitor) is a native insect that affects many field crops, and in some seasons, is a particular problem in stone fruit. In years of heavy infestation, it can also affect pome fruit.

Pest identification

Adult Rutherglen bugs are grey-brown with clear wings. They are 4 mm long with a narrow body and prominent eyes. They are highly mobile and often swarm over the fruit and shoot surfaces in the hundreds.

Damage

Rutherglen bugs damage the fruit by sucking sap. Damage in peaches can be identified by thin strings of clear gum hanging down from green fruit. In other temperate fruit, the damage will appear as multiple small feeding marks on the skin. Rutherglen bug can also feed on young foliage, causing leaves and fruit to shrivel.

Monitoring

Monitor for Rutherglen bug during spring and summer. If canola or sorghum in surrounding areas is infested, increase monitoring.

Management

Cultural and physical: Rutherglen bugs will use nearby weeds as stepping stones into the orchard trees. Manage weeds in and around the orchard to reduce potential hosts.

Biological: birds and spiders might provide some predation of Rutherglen bug, but this will not control large populations.

Chemical: refer to the Orchard plant protection guide for chemical suggestions.