Cranberry: Root-feeding Pests

Occurrence of root-feeding insects will manifest by the presence of dead patches. Pull dead vines and search through the root zone and soil for grubs and worms.

If your beds have damage caused by root-feeding insects, you should consider treatment with Imidacloprid (e.g. Admire Pro, Alias 4F, Alias 2F) immediately after bees are removed. Admire Pro (imidacloprid) is labeled for the control of cranberry rootworm, white grubs (Phyllophagaspp.), and other scarabs in cranberries.

Damaged, Dead Patches in Cranberry

Damaged, Dead Patches in Cranberry

Phyllophaga Grubs

Phyllophaga Grubs


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Marucci Research in Cranberry: Insecticide Trials Against Blunt-nosed Leafhoppers

Semi-field bioassay testing efficacy of insecticides on leafhoppers.

Semi-field bioassay testing efficacy of
insecticides on leafhoppers.

Recently we conducted an experiment to test the efficacy of a newly-registered insecticide (Closer SC) in cranberries against blunt-nosed leafhopper nymphs.

Closer (Dow Agrosciences) is an insecticide for the control of sap-feeding insects, including leafhoppers, aphids, and whiteflies. It has both systemic and translaminar activity, belongs to a new class of insecticides (the sulfoximines), and has minimal impact on beneficial organisms.

Insecticide control for leafhoppers is best achieved pre-bloom when targeting the nymphal stage, i.e., immatures. Broad-spectrum insecticides (e.g. Lorsban) are currently recommended for their control. Thus, Closer may provide an alternative to broad-spectrum insecticides and likely be more compatible with biological control because it has less of an impact on natural enemies. [Read more…]

Cranberry: Insect Update 6/28/2013

As we approach the end of bloom, growers should consider the need for any post-bloom applications. The main pest targets for these applications are mainly Sparganothis fruitworm and spotted fireworm. [Read more…]

Thoughts on Managing “The Big Three” Blueberry Insect Pests

The Big Three Insect Pests of BlueberryAs we go forward growers will want to have effective programs for the management of all of The Big Three insects at this time: Blueberry Maggot (BBM), Aphids, and Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD).
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Blueberry Pest in Detail: Spotted Wing Drosophila

Spotted Wing DriosophilaA new pest of New Jersey Blueberries

We have started to catch Spotted Wing Drosophila adults in low numbers. While these numbers are very low, they do indicate a presence in our production areas.

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Cranberry: Insect Update 6/17/2013

Bloom has started. If insects have been effectively managed prior to bloom, we recommend no sprays at this time. A reminder: when bees are present your only choices of insecticides are the Insect Growth Regulators –IGR- (e.g. Confirm and Intrepid) or Bt products (e.g. DiPel).

From now until August, we recommend monitoring insect populations using pheromone traps. [Read more…]