An Insect That Bores Holes in a Magnolia Tree

Magnolia trees are susceptible to damage from the magnolia root borer.

The southern magnolia is also known as the evergreen magnolia, large-flower magnolia and the big-laurel magnolia. A medium-sized tree, the magnolia grows at a moderate rate. Magnolia trees can sustain damage from an insect known as the magnolia root borer.

Identification

The magnolia root borer is also known by its scientific name of Euzophera magnolialis. Magnolia seedlings in nurseries are at the greatest risk of damage by this insect.

Symptoms

According to the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension, the first symptoms of boring insects in trees are wilting of shoots, dieback and discolored foliage. Cracked bark and cankers are often visible symptoms of boring insects. Reinfestation each year by this insect can result in poor tree health. Young, immature seedlings are often injured or killed by this boring insect.

Treatment

The treatments for magnolia trees infested with the magnolia root borer typically include insecticidal sprays. Applying a spray to the bark of affected magnolia trees helps prevent and eliminate wood boring insects. Boring insects affect the wood of trees, so spraying foliage is not necessary for control, states the United States Department of Agriculture.

References

• USDA: Magnolia Grandiflora
• University of Florida: Magnolias
• University of Kentucky: Insect Borers of Trees and Shrubs