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Orchard pest populations in Western NC

Traps and weather data are checked weekly

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North Carolina State University tracks local insect populations throughout the growing season using a system of traps, temperature-recording devices, and degree-day models. (Courtesy of NC State University)
North Carolina State University tracks local insect populations throughout the growing season using a system of traps, temperature-recording devices, and degree-day models. (Courtesy of NC State University)
North Carolina State University tracks local insect populations throughout the growing season using a system of traps, temperature-recording devices, and degree-day models. (Courtesy of NC State University)

RALEIGH — We track local insect populations throughout the growing season using a system of traps, temperature-recording devices, and degree-day models. Traps and weather data are checked weekly, with results updated by Wednesday afternoon from April through September. Learn more about southeastern apple pests at the Apple Pest Management page.

Weekly summary

August 16, 2017

Brown marmorated stink bug and apple maggot are the key insect pests of concern at this time throughout most of western NC. Following a two-week decline in trap captures in both mountains and foothills/piedmont locations, BMSB densities increased again this past week, indicating that this insect remains a threat in many orchards. Expect adult populations to increase over the next couple of weeks, especially in the mountains.

Apple maggot trap captures were slightly reduced compared to a week ago. As previously mentioned, the pyrethroids being sprayed for BMSB will also control apple maggot. Also, unless an orchard is adjacent to an abandoned orchard, a single spray is usually all that is necessary against this pest.

Archived Pest Reports for 2017

2017 Average Weekly Trap Captures*

HENDERSON COUNTY
Insects per trap
Aug 1
Aug 7
Aug 15
Codling Moth
5.0
5.0
7.0
Oriental Fruit Moth
22.5
20.5
21.5
Tufted Apple Bud Moth
0.0
0.0
1.0
Redbanded Leafroller
0.0
0.0
0.0
Obliquebanded Leafroller
0.0
0.0
0.0
Lesser Appleworm
1.0
0.0
2.0
Apple Maggot
0.5
5.0
2.3
Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (commercial – Henderson Co.)
4.9
2.0
14.5
Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (commercial – upper piedmont)
5.3
3.4
13.4
Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (research – unsprayed)
18.8
14.8
21.4
Spotted Tentiform Leafminer
0.0
0.0
0.0
Dogwood Borer
68.0
55.0
58.0
Peachtree Borer
37.5
29.0
35.0
Lesser Peachtree Borer
25.5
12.0
29.5
San Jose Scale
5.0
12.5
32.5
*Note that averages presented here are intended only to illustrate the timing of insect emergence and fluctuations in population activity, and not as general indicators of population levels. Some orchards included in these averages have significantly higher or lower populations than most commercial orchards in the area, resulting in averages that are sometimes skewed from what is typical. The only way to have an accurate assessment of an individual orchard’s populations is to set up traps in that orchard.

2017 Accumulated Degree Days

 
Henderson County
 Biofix
Aug 1
Aug 8
Aug 15
Codling Moth
Apr 10
2034
2196
2329
Oriental Fruit Moth
Mar 27
2722
2923
3086
Tufted Apple Bud Moth
Apr 13
2522
2724
2886

About degree-day models: The degree day (DD) models predict adult emergence and egg hatch of each generation. They do not predict the intensity of populations, which can be assessed by using pheromone traps. Hence, the models should be used to help gauge the time period when control is most likely needed, and pheromone traps provide information on the need for and frequency of insecticide applications. For full details, read “IPM Practices for Selected Pests” in the Orchard Management Guide.

CODLING MOTH:

  • 1st generation: Egg hatch begins at about 350 DD after biofix and is completed by 1050 DD. The most critical period for insecticidal control is from 350 to about 750 DD.

  • 2nd generation: Egg hatch of the second generation can extend from about 1300 to 2600 DD after biofix, but the most critical period for insecticidal control is 1400 to about 2500 DD.

  • 3rd generation: Adults begin to emerge at about 2500 DD after biofix, but the model is less accurate in predicting late-season populations.

ORIENTAL FRUIT MOTH:

  • 1st generation: Only one insecticide application between 400 and 500 degree days is usually necessary, as 1st generation egg-laying is usually low on apple.

  • 2nd generation: Effective 1st-generation control may eliminate the need for 2nd-generation control. If trap captures remain high, insecticides may be needed around 1100 to 1400 DD.

  • 3rd generation: Insecticide may be needed at 2200 DD after biofix.

  • 4th generation: Overlapping generations late in the season make it difficult to predict when 4th-generation egg hatch begins, but continuous egg-laying can occur from August through October. Use traps to determine the need for further insecticide applications.

 TUFTED APPLE BUD MOTH:

  • 1st generation: One well-timed insecticide application between 800 and 1200 DD after biofix will often eliminate the need for further control of TABM.

  • 2nd generation: Only if trap captures exceed 25 moths per trap by 2600 DD is an insecticide application recommended. NOTE: Insecticides targeting 2nd generation TABM are usually not necessary if 1st generation populations were successfully controlled.

2017 Pest Trends (click to enlarge)

— Dr. Jim Walgenbach
Extension Entomology Specialist (Fruits / Vegetables)
Entomology and Plant Pathology – NC State University

For more news from North Carolina, click here.

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