Fruit Gardening in the Landscape Controlling Problems Fruit and nut crops are susceptible to a variety of different insects, diseases and weeds. Some of these problems damage the plants themselves, while others attack the fruits or nuts, leaving them unattractive and inedible. Successful control of these problems requires careful monitoring of your plants and a program combining management practices and chemical controls. Insects More than 100 species of insects attack the home garden and orchard. Most are only occasional pests, but many are commonly found feeding on vegetables and fruit.
Many pests can build up high numbers rapidly, causing extensive damage quickly.
If not controlled, some insects can destroy an entire crop, while others can destroy the trees. White peach scale and San Jose scale are two serious pests of trees. These pests attach themselves to the limbs and suck out plant sap. Heavy infestations may kill limbs or even entire trees in the dormant season. The plum curculio is a devastating pest of peaches and plums.