What is this pest on my Quercus garryana?

Discussion in 'Outdoor Gardening in the Pacific Northwest' started by mcroteau1969, Aug 27, 2007.

  1. mcroteau1969

    mcroteau1969 Active Member 10 Years

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    Can anyone identify this uniquely distinct pest (a gall I assume?) that I just discovered on my 2 year old Quercus garryana seedlings? These little galls are yellow and red, quite hairy and roughly measure 1/8" in diameter.

    Should I be concerned? What can/should I do about it?

    ANY help you can offer would be greatly appreciated!

    Thanks!

    Mike
     

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    mcroteau1969, Aug 27, 2007
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  2. Daniel Mosquin

    Daniel Mosquin Paragon of Plants UBC Botanical Garden Forums Administrator Forums Moderator 10 Years

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    This gall, I think, is caused by a cynipid gall wasp. Which one, is not easy to say - over 600 species in North America.

    Gall Wasps from Univ. of Nebraska-Lincoln

    See image 9.1 on this Insect Photo Album from the Lakeshore Nature Preserve, Univ. of Wisconsin

    It doesn't seem to be a particularly harmful creature for the oak tree.
     
    Daniel Mosquin, Aug 28, 2007
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  3. mcroteau1969

    mcroteau1969 Active Member 10 Years

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    Thanks for the info - an entomologist at the Pacific Forestry Centre, Victoria, also came to the same conclusion after a friend sent him my photo and the PFC has requested two trees with galls for observation.

    Those are great links with nice clear pictures. I'm relieved to know it's not serious!!

    Cheers,
    M.
     
    mcroteau1969, Aug 30, 2007
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