At a Glance
- Campylomma is a common orchard pest affecting apples and pears across North America.
- Feeding on immature fruit can cause surface damage and misshapen fruit.
- Misshapen fruit can reduce pack‑out quality and financial returns.
- Campylomma can also play a beneficial role by preying on aphids and pear psylla.
- Populations often become problematic following broad‑spectrum insecticide use.
- The BC DAS system helps track risk and supports informed management decisions.
Why Is Campylomma a Problem?
Campylomma, also known as the mullein plant bug, is a common pest found in apple and pear orchards throughout North America. During fruit development, feeding on immature fruit can damage the fruit surface. This damage often leads to misshapen or distorted fruit, which does not achieve the highest quality grade at harvest and can reduce overall financial returns.
Under balanced orchard management, Campylomma can be beneficial. The insect can contribute to biological control by feeding on aphids and pear psylla populations. Campylomma generally becomes a concern when conventional management has been used and populations are able to flourish due to their tolerance of broad‑spectrum control products.
Where Does Campylomma Come From?
Campylomma overwinters within the tissue of woody plants. Eggs typically hatch during or shortly after bloom, and the insect passes through five instars during its lifecycle. Population development and feeding activity during the early growing season are key factors influencing the level of fruit damage observed later in the season.
How the BC DAS System Helps
The BC DAS system helps growers stay informed about the current risk of Campylomma populations based on their specific geographic location. Using temperature data and degree‑day accumulation, the system provides up‑to‑date information on periods of increased risk.
For the most accurate assessment, growers are encouraged to follow the BC DAS model in combination with limb taps (beats) conducted in their own orchards. This integrated approach gives growers a clearer understanding of Campylomma population levels throughout the season and supports informed decision‑making.
Support for Campylomma Management
The DAS Spray Guide offers information on spray options, rates, and timing to help growers plan coverage when management is required. The guide allows selection of product options registered for conventional use.
Because of Campylomma’s potential beneficial role, no control measures are listed under organic management. By following the BC DAS model and Spray Guide together, growers have timely access to information and tools to manage Campylomma populations while minimizing unnecessary disruption to orchard ecosystems. For more information, check out the Tree Fruit Production Guide.
Learn More (Video)
Interested in finding out more? Check out the BC DAS Campylomma model video on YouTube to connect horticultural knowledge from the field with the online DAS system.