Yellow Leaves on a Poplar Tree

Identification

• Aphids are likely pests of poplar trees. The soft bodied insects come in various colors depending on species and often have waxy or woolly bodies. All aphids are pear shaped and have antennae and long legs. The small pests may be winged or wingless.

Damage

• The pests damage plants by sucking on the plant juice or sap with their special, long mouths. Aphids occur in large colonies under foliage and on other tender plant areas. The pest feeding results in yellowing and wilting foliage. Foliage and flowers are also distorted. As they feed, aphids produce sticky honeydew that causes sooty mold fungus to appear on infested areas.

Management

• Introduce natural aphid predators like parasitic wasps, lacewing and syrphid flies into infested trees. Keep trees clear of weeds and debris. Obtain transplants from reliable sources. Chemical control options include the use of permethrin or acephate.