Weekly Insect Bytes
Unless noted otherwise, the insect pest control updates presented below are for the south-central part of Pennsylvania based on observation in Adams County, PA.
Current insect pest updates:
Ø Brown marmorated stink bug movement away from overwintering shelters is finally completed. BMSB adults are observed feeding on stone and pome fruit. The first egg masses and second instar nymphs were found during our weekly orchard observations. Even if, in the majority of orchards, no special stink bug control activities are required at this time, if BMSB nymphs are spotted, the control treatment is needed immediately. While adults BMSB can continuously move in and out from any orchard, BMSB nymphs are resident pests and will continue feeding (and damaging fruit) for the consecutive 4 to 6 weeks. The list of most effective insecticides and management options are the same as presented in this FTN article from the 2012 season: http://extension.psu.edu/plants/tree-fruit/news/2012/management-options-against-brown-marmorated-stink-bug-in-pennsylvania-fruit-orchards-2012-perspective . Unfortunately, at this time of the season, the visual search for BMSB adults still remains the only reliable BMSB monitoring practice. The currently commercially available BMSB monitoring traps will not be useful at least until mid-July (for more info on BMSB monitoring please see: http://extension.psu.edu/plants/tree-fruit/news/2013/monitoring-brown-marmorated-stink-bug-still-a-challenge .)
Ø Similarly as during the 2012 season, dinotefuran (neonicotinoid, IRAC Group 4A), the active ingredient of insecticides Scorpion and Venom, and bifenthrin (pyrethroid, IRAC Group 3A), the active ingredient of Bifenture 2EC and Brigade, received the EPA Section 18 Emergency Exemption registrations for use on stone and pome fruit in PA during the 2013 season. The current 2013 label is necessary for a legal use of the above mentioned products.
Ø First generation codling moth flight continues in all areas across PA. According to the CM egg hatch model for the Biglerville area (data based on biofix and weather condition at the PSU FREC; model provided by SkyBit Inc.) on June 14th about 80 percent of CM eggs should be already hatched. However, it is important to remember, the situation in each orchard can be different and all management decisions should be based on site-specific monitoring. Pheromone traps baited with CM sex pheromone are the most accurate tool used in orchards to provide actual information specific to the location (CM DAC lures should be used for monitoring in orchards utilizing CM mating disruption). If pheromone trap captures indicate strong continuous CM flight, third applications of Altacor®, Belt®, Delegate®, Tourismo® or Voliam Flexi® or Voliam Xpress® should provide excellent control of this late portion of CM genration. Codling moth granulosis virus (Cyd-X®, or Cyd-X HP) applied after the beginning of egg hatch should also provide good control of CM neonate larvae, however due to UV light instability, the residual activity of this product will last no longer than 7 day after the application.
Ø The second or third treatment of insecticides for the control of codling moth should also effectively control tufted apple bud moth larvae. According to the SkyBit model for the FREC orchards, the TABM egg hatch on June 14th should be around 45 percent. Insecticides such as Altacor, Belt, Delegate, Tourismo or Voliam Flexi or Voliam Xpress used for CM management also provide very effective control of TABM. If treatments for the CM control are not needed, applications of Intrepid or BT based products should also provide good control of leafrollers.
Ø The European red mite populations remain at relatively low levels in most orchards. If ERM control is needed, acaricides such as Acramite, Envidor, Portal, Kanemite, Nexter or Zeal, are registered for mite control and should be considered at this time of the season.
Ø No Oriental fruit moth control is required at this time. First generation OFM larvae are still feeding inside terminals or fruit and control with insecticides will not be effective. The next period to control OFM will be sometime during the week of June 23rd.
Ø All pheromone traps for monitoring fruit insect pests should be already placed in orchards. The 2013 season biofix for the Oriental fruit moth was established on April 17; spotted tentiform leafminer on April 09, codling moth on May 06, tufted apple bud moth on May 09; and obliquebanded leafroller on May 30th.
Prepared by Dr. Greg Krawczyk PSU Department of Entomology, Fruit Research and Extension Center, Biglerville, PA.
