[Illustration: Figure 16. Summer injury to the leaves by the pecan leaf casebearer.] PECAN PHYLLOXERA The pecan phylloxera, _Phylloxera devastatris_ Perg., and the pecan leaf phylloxera, _P. notabilis_ Perg., produce galls on the new growth of pecans. Leaves, twigs and nuts may be affected. The galls are conspicuous swellings, Figure 17, which attain a size of from one-tenth to 1 inch in diameter. They are caused by a soft-bodied insect which is closely related to aphids. The winter is passed in the egg stage in crevices in the bark. In the spring, the egg hatches and the tiny nymph feeds on the tender, young growth, apparently secreting a substance which stimulates the plant tissues to develop into galls. After the nymph reaches maturity, a number of eggs are deposited inside the gall. The young nymphs of the succeeding generation develop within the gall, which splits open in 1 to 3 weeks, liberating them. Several generations follow during the summer and fall, as long as there is fresh young growth on the tree. From 4 to 5 weeks are required for each generation[4]. _Control._—The dormant oil spray recommended for obscure scale control will prevent the development of phylloxera. If dormant oil is not applied, use 2 pints of nicotine sulfate plus 6 pounds of soap; 3 pounds of 25 percent malathion wettable powder; or two and a half pounds of 10 percent gamma isomer BHC wettable powder per 100 gallons of water when the leaves are one-third grown. SAWFLIES Sawfly larvae, _Periclista_ sp. and others, feed on the foliage of pecans during April and early May. The larvae, which are light green, chew holes in the leaves. Usually the midrib and veins are left intact, giving the leaflets a lacy appearance, Figure 18. The adults closely resemble wasps, except that they are not “wasp-waisted.” [Illustration: Fig. 17. Developing galls of the pecan phylloxera. Note the open gall on the lower leaf.] _Control._—The larvae may be controlled with an application of 2 pounds of 50 percent DDT wettable powder or 1 pound of 25 percent parathion wettable powder per 100 gallons of water. [Illustration: Figure 18. Sawfly injury to pecan foliage.] MAY BEETLES Many species of May beetles may damage pecans early in the spring. The beetles appear only at night and spend the day concealed beneath the surface of the soil. They feed on the young leaves and prevent the foliage from developing. Beetles of the most common species are one-half to three-fourths inch long and shiny dark brown. They are attracted to lights and are observed commonly on porches or screen doors at night. The larvae are the grubworms, or white grubs, which feed in the soil on the roots of many plants.