University of Maryland Extension

Holly berry Gall Midge - Trees and Shrubs

unripe berries

Key Points

  • Holly berry gall midge causes berries of holly to remain green during the fall and winter.
  • The adult midge lays eggs in the young fruit of hollies while the petals are still present.
  • The maggots hatch and feed inside the developing fruit. The berries grow to near normal size but remain green.

Management

  • There are no chemical controls.
  • Early blooming trees are more likely to be attacked.
  • There are resistant cultivars available. Check with your local nursery for cultivars in your area.

hollyberry midge adulthollyberry normal and infested
Holly berry midge adult                           Normal holly berry and infested berry


 

Rev. 2020

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