The hackberry nipple gall is induced to form by a gnat-like psyllid. Not because it is big or colorful or flashy or even very interesting really, but what I like about this insect is its name. The hackberry tree, or Celtis occidentalis, is a vigorously growing member of the elm family. One has an infestation of nipple gall on the leaves. While I can find plenty of consumer endorsements for the product, I can find no evaluative revues by Extension sites, or by other experts. Hackberry psyllids are a pest that causes hackberry trees to form galls around the larvae to protect the tree and leaves. However no insecticide treatment is necessary because the galls will not harm the tree. Once galls start to form, it is too late for treatment, as the galls protect the insects or mites. In most cases, treatment is not necessary, but having an ISA Certified Arborist help you make that decision would be best. Adults resemble tiny (3/16 inch long) cicadas. Healthy mature trees rarely need additional fertilizer. These "buttons" are called galls. Hackberry nipple-gall makers are pretty harmless, but in large droves they can be pretty disgusting. Hackberry nipple gall maker Pachypsylla celtidismamma is an insect pest of hackberry trees creating bumps on the underside of the leaves, also known as galls. Garlon/Remedy/Triclopyr + diesel mixed 1:4 or 1:5 depending on label recommendations for low-volume basal bark application. I just love saying it. Nearly any hackberry tree you find is likely to be infested with at least some kind of gall-forming insect. One has an infestation of nipple gall on the leaves. Your arborist can make a couple of different recommendations based on the severity of the issue, and what time of the year they see the tree. As its name implies, the hackberry petiole gall psyllid forms woody galls on the leaf petioles of its hackberry (Celtis spp.) Hackberry nipple gall psyllid Description: Galls appear as 1/8 to 1/4 inch swellings of tissue on leaves or petioles. The irregular edge of the gall and its red color at maturity account for the common name. Galls are generally created by a reaction within the plant tissue due to feeding from the immature insect (nymph). This feeding causes an abnormal growth within the leaf tissue, which then encases the insect and protects it while it feeds and grows. Website by Schnell Designs. The parts of Hackberry trees are used in the making of craft items and for firewood. Do you have an opinion on the use of the product? Specifics of the biology of this insect are not known. The gall in question was actually hackberry nipple gall, which is quite common across the Midwest on our native hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) trees. However, because galls are so conspicuous, gall makers are easily found by natural enemies. From the U of M Extension site, and from other states' sites, I have learned that the galls are not harmful to the trees, and could be ignored. To be effective, apply pesticide before gall formation begins, but when insects and mites are active. Hickory Pouch Gall: Many hickory galls are caused by the feeding of aphid-like insects called phylloxera. Galls formed by these species are unsightly and occasionally cause premature leaf drop, but they do not appear to harm the health of the trees. The hackberry nipple gall is so common on hackberries that is used to identify the tree. Occasionally, Hackberry tree is used to landscape and as a street tree. hosts. The damage is most eye-catching in trees because crown gall is a perennial disease, and as the tree grows, the galls grow with it. While galls may be unsightly, they do not cause serious harm to trees. This specific gall is caused by a psyllid on hackberry trees. The bumps on this hackberry leaf are galls caused by a native insect that result in little damage to the tree, making control or treatment unnecessary. I have three Hackberry trees. One option will be to use insecticide sprays in the spring when the leaves emerge to target any of the nymphs that are emerging. The key to this treatment is to get the product circulated in the tree before the insect starts feeding. Also known as American hackberry, common hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) is a fast-growing member of the elm family that typically grows to a … Your best management tool is patience. ... (1200-1500 kcal/day) for three months. Galls affecting leaves are seldom if ever a serious problem. From the U of M Extension site, and from other states' sites, I have learned that the galls are not harmful to the trees, and could be ignored. Asked September 9, 2016, 2:21 PM EDT. Here are nine natural treatments you might want to try to get rid of them. It is also important to note that treatment will not remove the galls from the leaves if treated after they have formed that year. Have you noticed strange button-like formations on the leaves of your hackberry trees? • Early leaf drop can occur on heavily infested trees. Nipple galls are common ailments of various trees in the landscape and can be caused by a few different insects. Gall-making parasites release growth-regulating chemicals as they feed, causing adjacent plant tissues to form a gall. Some species of gall makers cause galls to form on the leaves and petioles, some on leaves. Chemical applications often are not effective because the precise timing of sprays is critical. How to Identify Crown Gall After a plant has been infected, the first signs of a gall may appear within two to four weeks during the growing season: swollen tissue that looks like warts, or light-colored, round galls of about 1/10 inch. Chemical Control Once the gall had formed, even if the pest is killed, the gall remains since it is actually plant tissue. Hackberry gall maker Click on image to view larger. Hickory Pouch Gall: Many hickory galls are caused by the feeding of aphid-like insects called phylloxera. Infestations of hackberry are extremely common, but do not seriously affect the vitality of the tree, although heavily infested leaves may drop prematurely. The formulation I found online has two ingredients: a fertilizer and Imidacloprid, a neonicotinoid. Have you ever picked up a leaf that was dotted with bumps or had long protrusions dangling from it? This usually is not practical. Susceptible to cosmetic problems such as nipple gall and witches' broom. • Numerous galls form on the underside of leaves. They may also develop as a response to infections by several kinds of fungi, bacteria, and viruses. Once you see galls on your tree, it is too late to treat that year. Dormant oil sprays may help reduce a hackberry gall problem. This reaction then causes a proliferation of growth which will encase and protect the nymph until maturity. The tiny winged bugs are probably hackberry lace bugs. The other option is to use a systemic insecticide that will make timing less of an issue. Dormant oil sprays may help reduce a hackberry gall problem. Hackberry Nipple Gall-making Psyllid Timothy J. Gibb, Extension Diagnostician Hackberry nipple gall-making psyllid Gall made by the hackberry nipple gall - psyllid This is one of my favorite insects. The galls probably do not harm tree health. Scales of various types may be found on hackberry as well. This leaf gall, like most leaf galls are not impactful to the tree, but it can be unsightly.