Cat-Facing on Peach
Return to Insect Pests
Cat-facing is caused by various insects (plant bugs, stink bugs, leaf-footed bugs) that feed on fruit with piercing-sucking mouthparts. As they feed, saliva is injected into fruit, which results in wounds to the skin. Callus tissue forms over these wounds as fruit expands in size, resulting in sunken areas on the fruit.
Tarnished plant bug.
(Photo: Ric Bessin, University of Kentucky)
Leaf-footed bug.
(Photo: Ric Bessin, University of Kentucky)
Leaf-footed bug feeding on peach.
(Photo: Ric Bessin, University of Kentucky)
Cat-facing damage, note gummosis.
(Photo: Ric Bessin, University of Kentucky)
Cat-facing damaged skin with callus tissue.
(Photo: Ric Bessin, University of Kentucky)
Management:
- Eliminate winter annual weeds in orchard.
- Apply insecticides as needed.
