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:
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ORIENTAL FRUIT MOTH:
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TUFTED APPLE BUD MOTH:
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2017 Pest Trends (click to enlarge)
— Dr. Jim Walgenbach
Extension Entomology Specialist (Fruits / Vegetables)
Entomology and Plant Pathology – NC State University
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