We are observing high populations of gypsy moth larvae in cranberry beds near wooded areas. The last time we saw these numbers was over a decade ago in 2007-2008. I am showing a graph (Figure 1) that illustrates the number of lepidopteran pests (gypsy moth, spotted fireworm, Sparganothis fruitworm, armyworms, cranberry blossomworm, and spanworms) observed in 2008 in various cranberry beds (from bud break to bloom). The graph shows the timing when gypsy moth larvae were found in beds in comparison with other common leps. Based on these data, number of gypsy moth larvae peaked at this time of the year and then decline in the following two weeks. It also shows an overlap of gypsy moth numbers with the numbers of spotted fireworm and Sparganothis fruitworm in beds. This indicates that treatment for gypsy moth should also control these other pests if the residue lasts for 10-14 days.

Biology. Gypsy moth has one generation a year. It overwinters as eggs. Eggs hatch at this time of the year (we should have already passed peak egg hatch). First instars “balloon” on silken threads from infested trees onto nearby cranberry beds. Thus, gypsy moths tend to be one of the earliest caterpillars to show up in cranberry beds, usually during the first week of May. Observed larvae are mostly 2nd instars and will feed on the terminal buds. Although less common, it is also possible that eggs overwintered on the bog floor and that older larvae will crawl later in the season onto beds from surrounding trees.

Scouting and Control – Gypsy moth larvae are quite easy to detect by means of sweep net sampling and are easy to control with most of the insecticides at our disposal. The action threshold for gypsy moth is an average of 4.5 larvae in sets of 25 sweeps. We recommend the use of Intrepid, Delegate, Altacor, Exirel, or Verdepryn, if populations exceed action thresholds. These are reduced-risk insecticides that are very effective against lepidopteran pests.

By now the winter flood is off from most New Jersey cranberry beds. Once the water is removed, the vines will start to initiate bud break. From now until bloom, growers should scout their beds using sweep net sampling for lepidopteran pests (blackheaded fireworm, spotted fireworm, Sparganothis fruitworm, and cranberry blossomworm), and blunt-nosed leafhoppers.

Blackheaded fireworm – Blackheaded fireworm eggs overwinter on the bed and usually hatch by around mid-May. It is important to catch

the first generation, if possible, because the second generation occurs during bloom and is typically much more destructive. Blackheaded fireworm larvae (Figure 1) can be detected by sweep net sampling and it is a good idea to look along the edges of beds where vines first begin to grow. Remember: blackheaded fireworm is much easier to control if detected during the early part of the season.

Spotted fireworm – This insect overwinters as a 2^nd instar larva. They complete two generations a year. Larvae (Figure 2) feed between uprights they have webbed together. First-generation larvae injure the foliage causing it to turn brown as if burned. In New Jersey, first generation adult moths emerge the first week of June, followed by a second-generation of adult emergence in early August. Eggs are laid in masses on weedy hosts. Larvae from second-generation adults emerge in mid-August and may feed on fruit. Populations of spotted fireworm are regulated by their natural enemies, in particular Trichogramma wasps that parasitize the eggs.

Sparganothis fruitworm – This insect is a serious pest in most cranberry-growing states.  Sparganothis fruitworm completes two generations a year and overwinters as an early-instar larva. Larvae (Figure 3) from the 1^st generation feed on foliage. In New Jersey, first generation adult moths emerge from mid-June through the first weeks in July; pheromone traps are commonly used to monitor adult flight and population size. Second-generation eggs are laid on

cranberry leaves, and larvae will feed on fruit.

Cranberry blossomworm – Adults lay their eggs in October in cranberry beds. The eggs overwinter and hatch over a period of several weeks. Early instars can be found during the first week of May. Larvae go through 6 instars to complete development. Because the first instars feed during the day (and at night), scouting can be done during the daytime using sweep nets to estimate larval abundance. Larvae turn nocturnal during the later instars (Figure 4). At this time, night sweeping (9 pm – 1 am) is recommended for sampling. Larvae complete their development by June-July. Older instars are very voracious and capable of destroying 100 blossoms within a 3-week period. There is a pre-pupal stage that lasts until the end of August and a pupal stage that lasts until October. Adults emerge from the end of August to the end of October.

Lepidopteran Pests Monitoring and Control – Use sweep netting for monitoring early lepidopteran pests (pre-bloom) (Figure 5). A sweep set consists of 25 sweeps and 1 sweep set is recommended per acre (this may vary depending on the size of bogs). The action threshold for false armyworm, blossomworm, other cutworms, and gypsy moth (we use a combined threshold from adding all these caterpillars per sweep) is an average of 4.5 caterpillars in sets of 25 sweeps. For brown and green spanworms is an average of 18 per sweep set. The action threshold for blackheaded fireworm and Sparganothis fruitworm is an average of 1.5 per sweep set. We recommend the use of reduced-risk materials such as the insect growth regulator (IGR) Intrepid, the spinosyn insecticide Delegate or any of the diamide insecticides Altacor, Exirel or Verdepryn if populations exceed action thresholds. These are reduced-risk, softer insecticides that are very effective against lepidopteran pests. Remember to rotate insecticides with different modes of action to prevent onset of

insecticide-resistant pest populations.

Leafhoppers –There is continuing concern among New Jersey cranberry growers of a potential increase in leafhopper populations because of changes in pest management strategies (e.g., adoption of new reduced-risk products and decreased applications of broad-spectrum insecticides). Blunt-nosed leafhopper is of particular concern because they can transmit cranberry false blossom disease. This leafhopper has one generation a year. The adults are found in highest numbers during July, although nymphs or adults may be found from the end of May until October. Eggs are laid in August-September. The eggs overwinter and hatch in May or June. The nymphs (Figure 6) go through 5 instars to complete development.

Leafhopper Monitoring and Control: Leafhopper nymphs can be sampled using sweep nets (as described above for lepidopteran pests)

(Figure 5). Nymphs before bloom are small; thus, you may need to freeze the samples (to kill them), and then count the number of nymphs under a microscope or using a magnifying lens. Although there is no established threshold based on sweep net counts, we propose the following tentative thresholds: 20 nymphs per sweep set in young beds, new varieties, and/or with false blossom incidence; and 40 nymphs per sweep set in older beds, older varieties, and no incidence of false blossom. These decisions should be made also by comparing current numbers with prior infestation history.

In cases of high numbers of blunt-nosed leafhopper nymphs, we recommend application of a broad-spectrum insecticide, such as Sevin, Diazinon (no aerial applications allowed) or Lorsban (only pre-bloom applications allowed for Ocean Spray growers) (Figure 7). Broad-spectrum insecticides will disrupt biological control

particularly the natural enemies (predators and parasitoids) of Sparganothis fruitworm, so their use should be restricted only to areas of high leafhopper populations. Alternatively, growers can use Closer (sulfoxaflor). In our insecticide trials, Closer has shown good-to-excellent leafhopper control. This insecticide cannot be used when bees are active (i.e., between 3 days prior to bloom and until after

petal fall).

This chart illustrates the periods of insect pest activity in cranberries in New Jersey. These are general guidelines based on knowledge on pest biology and field experience. The actual period of activity for any given pest may vary from year to year depending on the time when the spring flood water is removed from bogs, seasonal weather conditions, and other (biotic and abiotic) factors.