Wisteria (Wisteria)

Plant Health Problems

This host is relatively problem-free and has no serious disease problems in Connecticut.

Insect Problems:

Mealy flata, Ormenis septentrionalis.
These insects are often found on wisteria. This is one of the largest of the lantern flies, which are sucking bugs. The eggs are laid in slits in the bark of stems and covered with masses of a white wax secretion. This insect is found on a great variety of herbaceous plants and shrubs. There is one annual generation and the adults are present in August and September. Although control measures are usually not necessary, the insect may be controlled by spraying with insecticidal soap or malathion, which are among the compounds registered for use against this pest in Connecticut. Imidacloprid may also be applied as a systemic to be taken up by the roots. Consult the label for dosage rates and safety precautions.

Potato leafhopper, Empoasca fabae.
Leafhoppers will feed on the new growth of wisteria. This insect is a serious pest in some years in Connecticut. It does not overwinter here, and the severity of infestation depends on the size of the migrating population and the weather. The adult is about 1/8" long and yellowish green. Nymphs are similar in color but have no wings. Both adults and nymphs are difficult to see because they move rapidly. Adults and nymphs may infest and cause injury by sucking sap from the bottom side of leaves. This causes the young leaves to curl or gives them a white peppered appearance. Continued feeding results in a yellowing or browning of the leaves, called "hopperburn." Among the compounds registered for control of this pest in Connecticut are pyrethrum, carbaryl and insecticidal soap. Repeated use of insecticides other than soap, may lead to outbreaks of aphids. Imidacloprid, applied as a soil drench, will provide season-long systemic control.

Silverspotted skipper, Epargyreus clarus.
The caterpillars feed upon wisteria. This is one of the largest of the skipper butterflies, and the larvae feed on the leaves of locust, the rose acacia and wisteria. Each caterpillar fastens together several leaflets with silk threads, making a case in which it lives and feeds. The caterpillar is leaf-green with a brown head. The butterfly is brown with yellow and white quadrangular spots on the forewings. Both front and rear wings are sharp-pointed. Spraying carbaryl, malathion, spinosad or Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki, which are among the compounds registered for use against this pest in Connecticut, when larvae are present should provide control. Consult the labels for dosage rates and safety precautions.