My Eleagnus (oleaster) is losing its leaves
Learn how to identify psyllids and protect your Eleagnus
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Although Elaeagnus x ebbingei (also known as oleasters) have a strong reputation for hardiness, they have been experiencing some minor health issues in recent years. If you notice your shrub turning yellow and losing its leaves, it’s very likely under attack by the Elaeagnus psyllid, a small sap-sucking insect that feeds on the shrub’s sap. Originating from Asia and detected in France since 1999, this pest spreads rapidly and can seriously weaken your plant if not treated promptly.
In this article, learn how to identify the characteristic symptoms of this infestation and discover natural and effective solutions to protect your Elaeagnus and restore its full vigour.
What are the symptoms?
The first signs of infestation by the Eleagnus psyllid typically appear on the leaves located in the lower part of the shrub. These quickly turn yellow before falling prematurely. The remaining foliage becomes sticky due to the honeydew secreted by the insects, a sugary substance that encourages the appearance of sooty mould, a black, sooty deposit that covers the leaves and hinders photosynthesis. Over time, this can weaken the Eleagnus and slow its growth.
What is the responsible insect?
The culprit behind this damage is the Elaeagnus psyllid (Cacopsylla fulguralis), a sap-sucking insect native to Asia, first discovered in France in 1999. This pest feeds on the shrub’s sap by piercing the leaves with its rostrum, causing them to weaken and fall prematurely. It is particularly abundant in western France, but its expansion continues into other regions due to its strong adaptability and reproductive capacity.
What solutions are there to combat psyllids?
The most effective and natural treatment involves spraying a diluted black soap solution (approximately 30 cl of liquid black soap per 10 L of water). This solution works by suffocating the psyllids and cleaning the sticky honeydew that encourages the appearance of sooty mould. Apply the spray, paying particular attention to the undersides of the leaves, where the insects tend to hide.
Repeat the application 2 to 3 days later to eliminate any surviving larvae. In case of persistent infestation, repeat the treatment once a week until symptoms disappear.
As a complementary measure, promoting biodiversity in the garden is an effective preventive solution: introducing natural predators such as ladybirds and lacewings, which prey on psyllids, helps limit their proliferation.
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