Nectarines (Prunus persica variety nectarina) are closely related to the peach but tend to produce smaller, more aromatic fruit compared to peaches. They climb in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 6 through 8 and therefore are prone to attacks from assorted insects. A few bug sprays are safe to use on nectarines and are easily accessible to the home gardener.
Insecticidal Soap
Insecticidal soap is a versatile pesticide used to control a variety of insects, including aphids, mites, mealybugs and scales. It does not leave residue on the nectarine and fast breaks down in the environment. But insecticidal soap shouldn’t be utilized on yellow-skin nectarine varieties, reports the Oregon State University Integrated Plant Protection Center. If insecticidal soap is used, wait till there is not any rainfall in the forecast for at least 24 hours and temperatures are forecast to remain under 85 degrees F.
Plant-Based Pesticides
Neem oil and Pyrethrins are plant-based pesticides registered for use on fruit trees such as nectarines. Neem oil is derived from the neem tree and also contains insecticide and fungicide properties, controlling a variety of pests that attack nectarines. Aphids, cutworms, earwigs and mites are some of the bugs neem oil will control. Pyrethrins are derived from chrysanthemums and paralyze the bug by interfering with its nervous system. Once exposed to sunlight, Pyrethrins split rapidly leaving residual chemicals that last for less than 24 hours. Pyrethruns controls earwigs, leaf rollers, stink bugs, peach tree borers, aphids, cutworms and various other insects that attack nectarines.
Broad-Spectrum Synthetic Insecticides
Carbaryl and imidacloprid are just two broad-spectrum insecticides that have a low to moderate toxicity level to humans but are extremely poisonous to fish, aquatic invertebrates, bees, parasitic wasps, ladybugs and other beneficial insects. Carbaryl and imidacloprid control various insects, including earwigs, stink bugs, leaf rollers, oriental fruit moth, peach tree borer, peach twig borer and scale insects. When using broad-spectrum synthetic insecticides, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and implement on a warm, calm day when temperatures are between 40 and 85 degrees.
Bacterium Insecticide
The bacterium insecticide Bacillus thuringiensis contains a bacterium naturally found in the dirt that acts as a stomach poison to the larval phase of various insects. It helps control nectarine insects such as leaf rollers, peach twig borers, tent caterpillars, cutworms and leaf-eating caterpillars. Bacillus thuringiensis is non-toxic to humans, mammals, bees, beneficial insects and fish. After the larva consumes the decay, they procrastinate and typically die within a couple of days.
Dormant Oil
Dormant oil, such as horticultural oil, is applied during the plant’s dormant period — usually the autumn or winter months — when it’s not producing buds, leaves or new growth. Dormant oil smothers insects, such as scale, aphids, mites and thrips, killing overwintering eggs and adult insects. In addition, dormant oil lowers the prospect of harming beneficial insects such as bees. The University of California suggests spraying nectarine trees with dormant oil in the winter to control San Jose scale.