University of Hawaii at Manoa
UH SealCollege of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources

Black Black Twig Borer

Black twig borer, anthurium damage. Photo: Dr. Arnold Hara

Black twig borer, anthurium damage
Photo: Dr. Arnold H. Hara, CTAHR

Wiltin foliage on podacarus caused by black twig borer. Photo: Dr. Scot Nelson

Wilting foliage on podacarpus caused by Black twig borer
Photo: Dr. Scot C. Nelson, CTAHR

Problem

The tips of the branches of the tree die back; you may notice pin-sized holes on the branches near the affected area. If there are no other symptoms, it may be Black Twig Borer.

Description

Black twig borer affects 200 plant species including many trees, ornamentals, anthuriums and orchids. The female tunnels into the woody twig, leaving pin sized holes. The burrowing, along with introduction of pathogens, causes die-back of the branch or stem of the tree or shrub. Black twig borer is often a pest of podacarpus.

Holes in stem of podacarpus. Photo: Dr. Scot Nelson

Holes in stem of podacarpus
Photo: Dr. Scot C. Nelson, CTAHR

Black twig borer in stem of anthurium. Photo: Dr. A Hara

Black twig borer, anthurium
Photo: Dr. Arnold H. Hara, CTAHR

Female black twig borer. Photo: Dr. A Hara

Black twig borer, female
Photo: Dr. Arnold H. Hara, CTAHR

Information

Control

Prune off the infested plant material. Remove from your yard. Support the vigor of the plant with proper fertilization and water. Parasitic wasps may help control this pest. You don’t need to go out and buy these; they are already in the environment. Do not use broad spectrum pesticide as you may kill the parasitic wasps.

Chemical control

Ask an extension agent about pesticide use.

Kendal Lyon, Hawaii Island Master Gardeners