Holly midge damage. Photo: John Davidson, University of Maryland
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.
Rev. 2020