Бакчаларда жана бакчаларда катидиддер

Katydids are a group of insects that closely resemble leaves and often go unnoticed in their natural environment—but under certain conditions, they can cause damage to fruit trees and seedlings. Although most katydid species are not considered serious pests, a few—such as the fork-tailed bush katydid—can cause damage to citrus, stone fruit, blueberry and pear trees by feeding on young fruit and tender leaves. This guide explains how to identify katydids, understand their life cycle, assess the damage they cause, and implement effective control measures where necessary.

1. Katydids деген эмне?

Katydids (family Tettigoniidae) are close relatives of grasshoppers. They are renowned for their ability to camouflage themselves: most Katydids have green, leaf-like bodies, making them difficult to spot amongst the foliage. Some species are brown or light brown in colour, allowing them to blend in with woody stems and bark.

You may encounter the following species in gardens, orchards and landscaped areas:

• Fork-tailed bush cricket (Scudderia furcata) — a species that primarily damages fruit
• Horned-winged cricket (Microcentrum retinerve)
• Broad-winged cricket (Microcentrum rhombifolium)

Key characteristics of Katydids:

• Long, slender antennae (usually longer than the body)
• Green or brown body colour
• Adults are winged; nymphs are wingless
• Eggs may be laid on leaves, twigs or stems — arranged in single or double rows

2. Katydid Life Cycle

Katydids undergo incomplete metamorphosis: egg → nymph → adult. Most species overwinter as eggs, which hatch in spring or early summer. Adults emerge in late summer or early autumn, lay new eggs, and then die before winter sets in.

• Fork-tailed bush cricket: may produce a second generation in warm regions
• Horned cricket and broad-winged cricket: one generation per year

Nymphs feed on leaves and fruit; adults continue to feed and reproduce during the summer.

3. Катидид кандай зыян келтирет?

Katydids gnaw holes in leaves, usually starting from the leaf margin. However, they tend to feed only lightly before moving on to another target, so the damage caused is generally minor. On fruit trees, however, the signs of their feeding may be more pronounced:

• The nymphs of the fork-tailed bush cricket feed on tender citrus, blueberry, pear and stone fruit.
• Their bite marks usually heal, but leave sunken, corky scars on ripe fruit.
• In some cases, the fruit may become misshapen or fall prematurely.

As they take only a small bite at a time before moving on to the next fruit, even a small number of Katydids can affect a staggering number of fruits.

4. Katydids контролдоо үчүн жетиштүү зыяндуубу?

In most garden and orchard settings, the damage caused by Katydids is purely cosmetic and minor. The internal quality of the fruit is usually unaffected. Unless the damage caused by feeding has a significant economic impact—for example, in commercial blueberry cultivation—there is no need for routine chemical control.

Consider the following simple, non-chemical methods:

• Capture and remove them by hand in the early morning when cricket activity is at its lowest
• Use garden lights at night to detect adult activity
• If damage has been severe in previous years, monitor the movements of nymphs after the petals have fallen

5. Химиялык көзөмөл: Керек болгондо

If Katydids have caused significant damage in recent seasons, targeted control measures can be carried out after the petals have fallen and whilst the fruit is still small and fragile.

Recommended active ingredient: Spinosad

Спиносад is a naturally derived insecticide that is effective against chewing pests such as Katydids. It is most effective when applied during the early nymphal stages.

For better control results, spinosad can be mixed with horticultural oil to enhance coverage and residual activity.

Do not spray spinosad during flowering – the product is toxic to bees and beneficial insects for the first few hours after application.

Be sure to follow the label instructions and safety precautions, particularly when the fruit is intended for consumption.

Чыгаруу	сунуш кылуу
Жеңил жалбырак чайноо	Дарылоонун кереги жок
Кичинекей жемиш тырыктары	Мониторинг жана мүмкүн болсо, кол менен алып салуу
Коммерциялык жемиш өндүрүү	Эгерде зыян чектерден ашып кетсе, спиносадды гүлдүн гүлүнөн кийинки кулашын колдонуңуз
Туруктуу дыйканчылык	Эрте мененки чалгындоону жана зыянкечтерди комплекстүү башкарууну колдонуңуз

If you grow fruit trees in a variety of climates or regions, the timing of cricket infestations and their impact may vary. Please contact your local adviser or agricultural extension service to adapt this guide to your growing area.

For pesticide retailers or agricultural supply networks, please consider stocking products containing spinosad as the active ingredient in early summer, particularly in areas where Katydids are prevalent.