March 30, 2026 , and

Apple Scab Update

Apple Scab Update  

Apple scab models are currently forecasting potential infection periods from March 31st-April 2nd. This is based on a green tip date of March 22nd which was observed across the state aside from the most northern counties. Conditions may be optimal for further scab infection events on April 5th-6th. Model outputs are most accurate within 48-72 hours of the date in question,which should be kept in mind when making management decisions. It will be critical for growers to keep an eye on the models to make timely management decisions for optimal disease control. If you have recently applied copper, you will be covered for this infection period. Other effective options include Manzate at 3 lb/A + Syllit at 1.5 pt/A or Manzate at 3 lb/A + Vangardat 3-5 oz/A.  

NEWA   

The Network for Environment and Weather Applications (NEWA) offers forecasting models for numerous disease and insect pests on a variety of crops including apple scab. This model allows you to select your own weather station or one closest to your farm to get real time information on when apple scab infections may occur. This allows you to make informed management decisions and apply effective fungicides prior to an infection event, which is the ideal timing for optimal disease control. Once you have selected your weather station, you can enter the date you noted green tip on your earliest variety (this will be 3/22 for the majority of NJ this year).  

First, you will see the ‘Ascospore Maturity Summary’ chart. This will give you information on ascospore maturity, daily ascospore discharge, and cumulative ascospore discharge. Right now, the most important number to pay attention to is the daily ascospore discharge. The higher the daily ascospore discharge, the more severe the infection event will be. If the daily ascospore discharge is greater than 10%, there will be a significant scab infection event and fungicides should be applied prior to this event for management. If the daily discharge is above 20%, there will be an extreme infection event, and the most efficacious fungicides (DMI + Manzate) should be applied before the infection for control.   

The next chart will be the ‘Infection Events Summary’. This will tell you if the weather conditions are optimal for apple scab infection. It includes weather data and tells you if there will be an infection event with the readouts ‘Yes’, ‘Combined’, or ‘No’. This information should be compared with the daily ascospore discharge to determine what efficacy of fungicide should be used for a given infection period.  

 

Apple Scab Management Considerations 

  • If you have not applied copper yet, it should be applied before this upcoming potential infection period March 31st-April 2nd  
  • Copper applied after ½” green can cause phytotoxicity and fruit finish concerns  
  • If you have already applied copper, since this is a low-risk infection period, Manzate at 3 lb/A + Syllit at 1.5 pt/A or Manzate at 3 lb/A plus Vangard at 3-5 oz/A would be sufficient management options  
  • Keep in mind, powdery mildew control begins at tight cluster and cedar apple rust control begins at pink 
  • The DMI fungicides should be saved for tight cluster and later timings since they are some of the best options for powdery mildew and cedar apple rust 
Filed Under: Commercial Ag Updates, Disease Forecasting, Fruit, Tree Fruit Tagged With: , , , , , ,
March 27, 2026 , and

Fruit IPM Updates Week of 3/23/26

Tree Fruit Phenology Update

Tree fruit phenology is progressing across New Jersey, with development in southern counties remaining slightly advanced and northern regions beginning to catch up. Overall, the 2026 season is showing a more compressed phenology window than typical. Cooler weather this weekend should help slow development.

In apples, green tip for Pink Lady was observed around March 22 across both southern and some northern regions, with Honeycrisp following around March 26. In pears, swollen buds were observed around March 11, with green clusters reaching by March 26 in southern New Jersey. Peach varieties in southern New Jersey were observed at the swollen bud stage this week.

Apples
Green Tip Dates by County
County Green Tip Date (earliest varieties) 
Cumberland 3/22
Gloucester 3/22
Burlington 3/22
Mercer 3/22
Middlesex 3/22
Monmouth 3/22
Hunterdon 3/22
Morris TBD
Warren TBD
Sussex TBD
Bergen TBD
Apple Scab
Models

Apple scab models are available through NEWA and RIMpro. Apply fungicides before infection events when discharge exceeds thresholds (10–20%).

Current Update
  • ~2% ascospore maturity (March 25)
  • ~7% by March 31
  • ~10% by April 1
  • Low cumulative discharge (~1–4%)
Management Considerations

Copper can be applied now but avoid after ½” green.

  • Manzate + single-site fungicide
  • DMI (FRAC 3) for high pressure
  • Vangard (FRAC 9)
  • FRAC 7 (save Aprovia)
  • Axios (save for later)
  • Syllit (avoid if resistance)
  • FRAC 11 (save for summer)
  • Topsin (limited uses)

As we move toward tight cluster:

  • Rapid ascospore increase
  • Higher infection risk with rain

Monitor:

  • NEWA models
  • Weather/wetting events
  • Phenology

Early control is critical to avoid season-long pressure.

Scouting Calendar

Use as a scouting guide only (not for spray timing).

  • Green tip: March 22–26
  • Ascospore maturity: 2–7% increasing
Key Points
  • Minimal difference between North and South Jersey
  • Green tip ~March 22
  • Prepare for scab infection events
  • Build fungicide rotation now

Pears
Pear Phenology Update

Pear phenology is progressing, with swollen buds observed around March 11 and green clusters observed on March 26 in southern New Jersey.

Pear Psylla

Pear psylla activity has begun in southern New Jersey, with variability across counties:

  • Salem County: adults and eggs observed
  • Gloucester County: eggs observed
  • Burlington County: no activity observed to date

These observations indicate that egg laying is underway in the southernmost regions and will likely progress north with warming temperatures. Reports from surrounding regions also suggest psylla activity is increasing.

At this stage:

  • Continue monitoring for eggs and early nymphs
  • Use beating trays to assess adult activity
  • Examine buds and developing shoots for egg presence

Dormant oil applications should be applied where possible to deter psylla egg laying and suppress early populations. Timely applications are especially important in areas where activity has already been observed.

At green cluster:

  • Oil is often combined with an insecticide to target migrating adults
  • In lieu of oil, particle films such as Surround may be used starting at swollen bud and continuing through bloom

Materials such as Esteem, Centaur, and Sivanto Prime may also be incorporated, depending on timing and pressure.

Adult pear psylla laying eggs.

Figure 1. Adult pear psylla laying eggs at swollen bud. Photo by Janine Spies.

Pear Diseases
Fire Blight and Early Season Management

Dormant copper applications should be applied for fire blight and pear scab suppression, but no later than green tip if fruit russet is a concern. Where copper has already been applied, early-season risk is likely reduced.

As bloom approaches:

  • Begin planning for antibiotic applications
  • Kasumin may be used at bloom and petal fall
  • Other options include streptomycin and oxytetracycline for post-bloom use

Rotating chemistries is important for resistance management.

Pear Scab

RIMpro modeling for pear scab in Upper Deerfield indicates low infection risk at this time, with infection values remaining below threshold levels. Despite recent wetting events, limited ascospore maturity is restricting infection potential.

Growers who have applied dormant copper are likely adequately protected under current conditions. Protective fungicide programs should begin at the cluster bud stage, particularly as we approach tighter cluster and bloom, when risk will increase.

Materials such as Ziram or EBDC formulations provide effective protection. At white bud, include materials effective against pear scab, rust diseases, and Fabraea leaf spot. Particular attention should be paid to rust on Asian pear varieties.

Dormant urea applications may also be used, where appropriate, to help reduce overwintering inoculum.

Summary
  • Pear psylla activity has begun in southern New Jersey, with adults and eggs observed in Salem County and eggs in Gloucester County
  • Dormant oil applications should be applied to suppress egg laying and early populations
  • Copper applications should be completed by green tip where russet is a concern
  • Pear scab risk is currently low based on RIMpro modeling
  • Fungicide programs for pear scab should begin at cluster bud as risk increases
  • Dormant urea may be used to reduce overwintering inoculum

Continued scouting will be important over the next 1–2 weeks as both insect and disease pressure increase with advancing phenology.

Peaches

Peach Phenology

Peach varieties in southern New Jersey were observed at the swollen bud stage this week. Development is progressing steadily and will advance with warming temperatures.

Peach Swollen Bud

Figure 2. Peach Swollen Bud. Photo by Janine Spies.

Brown Rot

Blossom infections from the brown rot fungus can occur whenever pistils are exposed and favorable environmental conditions are present.

Infections can occur during any wetting period when temperatures are between 41 and 86°F. Optimum conditions occur with wetting and temperatures in the mid-70s. During extended wetting periods (several days or more), blossoms can be infected regardless of temperature. Infections under suboptimal conditions are generally less severe.

Blossoms and fruitlets remain susceptible until the pistil desiccates, which occurs sometime between petal fall and shuck split.

Initiate coverage for blossom blight starting at pink for short-petaled varieties and at 5–10% bloom for showy flowers. Refer to the NJ Commercial Tree Fruit Production Guide for recommended materials and rates.

Scale Insects

Oil applications may be safely applied up to pink on peach.

Oil can be applied alone or in combination with insecticides including Centaur, Sivanto Prime, and Esteem.

Filed Under: Commercial Ag Updates, Disease Forecasting, Fruit, Tree Fruit, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,
March 5, 2026 , and

Early Season Tree Fruit Pest Control in 2026

Dormant Oil Sprays: In recent growing seasons, San Jose scale and white peach scale populations have been causing increasing amounts of damage. These pests create a superficial spotted injury caused by crawler stage feeding on the skin of apples and peaches, making the fruit unmarketable. In severe infestations, heavy crawler populations feeding on the sap of tree limbs can cause severe dieback. Scale overwinter on the limbs of trees asimmature crawlers under their protective waxy covering. In the spring when temperatures begin to rise, they respire through this covering. Dormant oil sprays are your first line of defense as they work to coat the protective covering of the scale and prevent respiration. Dr. Anne Nielsen’s lab found that another effective option at the delayed dormant timing is Centaur at 34.5 oz/A.

European red mite is another pest of concern that can be targeted at this stage. These mites feed on the foliage of tree fruit causing a bronzing symptom. Feeding from this pest can reduce fruit quality and tree vigor. European red mites overwinter in orchards as eggs. These eggs begin to hatch just prior to pink through bloom in apples. Dormant oil efficacy improves the closer you are to egg hatch for this pest so an application should be timed for green tip-half inch green in apple.  

Pear psylla typically become active and begin laying eggs in NJ in mid-late March. Nymph stage pear psylla feed on the sap of pear trees and excrete honeydew which causes black sooty mold on fruit making it unmarketable. This pest also injects a toxin into the leaves as it feeds causing the leaves to blacken and eventually leads to defoliation. Dormant oil works to deter pear psylla from laying eggs and acts as a first line of defense against this pest.  

Proper coverage with dormant oil is essential for it to work properly. Due to this, dormant oil should be applied as a full block spray instead of alternate row middle. It is important to ensure your sprayer is properly calibrated and that you are using a sufficient spray volume. Dr. Brett Blaauw from the University of Georgia found that 100 gal/A is a sufficient volume for coverage IF the trees are properly pruned prior to the dormant oil application (see University of Georgia factsheet). It is possible to achieve almost 100% coverage by making multiple dormant oil applications. This strategy is optimal because it also allows you to target both scale and mites at their optimal timings. One application can be made early on when temperatures first begin to rise above 51°F to target scale and a second application can be made between green tip and ½” green to target mites and continue controlling scale. An oil application at ½” green combined with Esteem at 4-5 oz/A will also provide control of aphids including wooly apple aphid. Wooly apple aphid populations have been becoming more prevalent in NJ apple orchards in recent years, likely due to dry end of summer conditions and pyrethroid use flaring populations. The first place this pest will begin to pop up will be pruning cuts so be sure to keep an eye out as the season progresses since early action is critical for effective control.  

Dormant oil application rates depend on the phenological stage and the crop you are spraying. Typically, oil is recommended at a 2% rate or 2 gallons of dormant oil per 100 gallons of spray mix. You can perform concentrated sprays of 6 gallons of dormant oil per 100 gallons of spray mix in pome fruit based on the dilute volume of 300 gallons per acre (amount generally considered to cover a mature semi dwarf apple to the point of drip). In stone fruit, a concentrated spray would include 4 gallons of dormant oil per 100 gallons of spray mix based on the dilute volume of 200 gallons per acre (amount generally considered to cover a mature peach tree to the point of drip). Oil can safely be applied up to the pink stage of tree fruit, but the rate should be dropped the closer you get to this stage. For example, in pome fruit a full rate can be applied up to ½” green, this rate should be halved up to tight cluster and then halved again up to pink.   

When applying dormant oil, it is important that you do not make an application within 2 days of the temperature dropping below 32°F. Another important consideration is that oil should not be applied within 2 weeks of Captan due to phytotoxicity concerns. There are other insecticides that can be mixed with dormant oils to target these pests; however, results are variable on whether the addition of these insecticides improves efficacy over oil alone. 

Dormant Season Copper Sprays: Fire blight can be targeted at the dormant stage using copper as your first line of defense. The copper targets cankers caused by fire blight and reduces the amount of bacterial inoculum present in the field. Early season copper sprays can also be effective against apple scab if some green tissue is present in the bud. Copper should not be applied after ½” green due to concerns with phytotoxicity and fruit russeting. If tank mixing copper with dormant oil, extra precaution should be taken to ensure there is no risk of freezing temperatures since this can exacerbate issues with phytotoxicity and injure the tree.  

The bacteria causing fire blight can only survive inside of living tree tissue. The winter is an optimal time to remove infected branches since the sap is not flowing, this reduces the risk of spreading the inoculum to your next cut. Removing the cankers caused by this disease where most of the bacteria are surviving will reduce your inoculum levels and make this disease easier to manage during the spring. It is a good practice to flag limbs that were infected with fire blight in the previous season to make the cankers easier to find when it comes time to prune. Pruning crews should be trained to look for sunken, dark, cracked areas on the tree bark that may be cankers. A knife can be used to peel away the tree bark to confirm the presence of the canker. If it is in fact a canker, the sapwood will be brown. You can continue peeling the bark away until you find the margin of the canker where the sapwood is still healthy and green. The pruning cut should be made at least 8 inches below the canker to ensure no inoculum is left behind in the tree. All canker prunings should be removed from the orchard since they can still act as a source of inoculum if left behind on the orchard floor.  

If peach leaf curl was not targeted in the late fall at leaf drop, a fungicide application is also effective in the late winter prior to bud swell. Copper, Ziram, and Bravo (Chlorothalonil) are the most effective options at this timing.  

Dormant Season Urea Sprays: Dormant season urea sprays are an extremely effective tool to reduce inoculum in orchards with high apple scab pressure. These sprays help to break down the leaf litter more quickly, which isessential for orchard sanitation and reduction of foliar disease inoculum. Urea applications are most effective if applied after leaf drop in the fall, but if you didn’t have a chance to make the application, it is not too late! Urea can be applied to leaf litter in the late winter or early spring using an airblast sprayer with nozzles pointed towards the ground or a boom sprayer at a rate of 40 lb/A in 100 gallons of water. A flail mower can also be used to chop leaf litter,which allows it to decompose more quickly. By using these methods, you can reduce your apple scab inoculum by 80% or more, which will make management easier and more effective during primary scab infection. 

Filed Under: Commercial Ag Updates, Fruit, Tree Fruit Tagged With: , ,
August 28, 2025 , and

Fruit IPM Report August 26 2025

Peach:

Oriental Fruit Moth (OFM): Overall, OFM trap captures have been low and treatments should be over for the third generation flight statewide. Additional treatments should be made if trap captures are over 6 moths per trap.

Scale Insects: Scale crawler emergence is past peak and declining. White Peach scale has a third generation in September and San Jose scale may have a third generation in October. Options at this point include Group 4A products labelled for scale including Assail, and the bioinsecticide Venerate. Venerate has a 0-day PHI, making it useful for blocks near or at harvest (Figure 1).

Figure 1. San Jose scale on apple.

Lesser Peachtree Borer (LPTB) and Peachtree Borer (PTB): Trap counts for borers have been high at several farms this season throughout the state (Figure 2). Where mating disruption is not being used, trunk sprays using pyrethroids can be applied early to mid-September followed by an additional application in mid to late September. Since this would be a labor intensive practice it would be most efficient to give priority to younger and most productive orchards. See the NJ Tree Fruit Production for effective materials and rates.

Figure 2. Lesser peachtree borer adult.

Apples and Pears:

Summer Diseases: Disease control is over for Early season apple varieties. Mid to late season varieties will need further applications on a two-week schedule until mid-September for sooty blotch and fly speck. See the NJ Tree Fruit Production guide for effective materials.

Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs (BMSB): Brown Marmorated Stink bug and native stinkbug populations have been low this season, although we have seen an increase in trap captures at some farms. If stinkbugs are a concern for your orchard, see the NJ Tree Fruit Production guide for effective materials.

Codling Moth (CM): Most orchards have very low CM pressure. Additional treatments should be made if trap captures are over 5 moths/trap.

Phenology Table: Based on annual observations made in Gloucester County.

Pest Event or Growth Stage Approximate Date 2025 Observed Date
 Bud Swell (Redhaven/PF-17)  March 23 +/- 15 Days March 30
1/4″ Green Tip Red Delicious March 31 +/- 13 Days March 30
Pink Peach (Redhaven/PF-17) April 4 +/- 15 Days April 1
Tight Cluster Red Delicious April 9 +/- 13 Days April 5
Full Bloom Peach (Redhaven/PF-17) April 9 +/- 14 Days April 10
Pink Apple (Red Delicious) April 14 +/- 12 Days April 16
Full Bloom Apple (Red Delicious) April 22 +/- 11 Days April 25
Petal Fall (Redhaven) April 22 +/- 10 Days April 19
Petal Fall (Red Delicious) April 27 +/- 13 Days May 2
Shuck Split (Redhaven) April 30 +/- 11 Days April 26
Pit Hardening June 15 +/- 9 Days June 15

Tree Fruit Trap Captures – Southern Counties

Week Ending STLM TABM-A CM BMSB OFM-A DWB OFM-P TABM-P LPTB PTB
4/5/2025 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
4/12/2025 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 0
4/21/2025 0 0 0 0 36 0 1 0 0 0
4/27/2025 25 0 0 0 24 0 5 0 1 0
5/2/2025 517 0 4 0 12 0 6 0 13 0
5/9/2025 159 4 10 0 3 16 5 4 46 0
5/16/2025 91 11 6 0 1 36 2 14 69 0
5/23/2025 299 21 3 0 1 23 1 26 23 0
5/30/2025 399 14 2 0 0 41 1 11 10 3
6/6/2025 733 13 1 0 0 36 2 12 29 1
6/13/2025 684 19 2 1 0 81 2 17 22 8
6/20/2025 724 24 2 0.5 1 60 1 23 19 12
6/27/2025 932 5 1 0.8 1 40 0 5 24 14
7/4/2025 643 0 0 0.75 1 17 0 0 6 16
7/11/2025 194 0 0 0.5 0 18 8 0 24 15
7/18/2025 190 0 0 1 0 16 2 1 5 12
7/25/2025 222 2 1 1.6 0 16 1 2 12 21
8/1/2025 450 1 0 2 1 24 2 1 21 18
8/8/2025 523 2 1 2 0 35 5 2 30 19
8/15/2025 595 1 0 2 0 37 1 2 32 15
8/22/2025 125 5 0 3.75 1 49 4 4 40 14

Tree Fruit Trap Captures – Northern Counties

Week Ending STLM TABM-A CM BMSB OFM-A DWB OFM-P TABM-P LPTB PTB AMBROSIA BEETLE
4/5/2025 387 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
4/21/2025 435 0 0 0 0 0 1.3 0 0 0 0
4/27/2025 26 0 0 0 0 0 25 0 0 0 72
5/2/2025 86 0 0.33 0 72.5 0 47.2 0 0 0 136
5/9/2025 56 0 5.3 0 58.8 0 22.9 0 0 0 145
5/16/2025 13.75 2.6 7.3 0 4 0 5 0 0 0 50.5
5/23/2025 4.8 10.3 10.5 0 0.6 31.25 4.2 0 14.6 1 22.2
5/30/2025 2.2 4.8 1.8 0 0 12.4 9.6 0 9.6 1.9 22.1
6/6/2025 3 4.83 2.8 0.25 0 20 4.1 0 21.2 1.8 40.3
6/13/2025 65 20 11.4 0.6 0 12.3 4 0 10.5 1.5 59.2
6/20/2025 26 26 8 0.75 1 13 4.5 0 11 0.75 52
6/27/2025 145 19 6 1.3 6 35 5.4 0 16 1.6 38
7/4/2025 212 6 3 0.6 12.5 40 2 0 8.4 1.1 27
7/11/2025 125 2.5 0.5 0.14 5 41 3 0 20 4.5 48
7/18/2025 64 0.5 0.4 0.16 2 42 2 0 8.4 1.9 64
7/25/2025 110.5 0.4 2.3 0.24 7.5 44 4 0 6.8 12.2 69
8/1/2025 132 0.5 2.8 0.4 5.7 42.5 2.9 0 8 6.2 71.5
8/8/2025 157 1.9 0.6 0.41 6 27.8 8.3 0 10.8 5.5 78
8/15/2025 36.8 2 2.6 0.3 2.9 25.8 2 0 11.6 4.8 24
8/22/2025 25 6 1.4 0.05 1.6 40.4 7 0 18 4.8 67.6

Grape

Figure 3. Sour rot of grapes.

Disease management continues to focus on downy and powdery mildew and also bunch rots (Figure 3).

Downy mildew has been particularly prevalent this season in vineyards throughout the state. Refer to the NJ Commercial Grape Production Guide for information on control.

Figure 4. Spotted lanternfly on grapevine.

Grape Berry Moth: The timing for the third generation is past. In some hot summers a fourth generation may occur, however no further treatments should be needed, especially where insecticides are being applied for Spotted lanternfly and Spotted-wing drosophila.

Spotted Lanternfly (SLF): SLF adults are now appearing in vineyards in low numbers mostly on vineyard edges (Figure 4). As we move into September adult migration will increase and at that point growers should apply materials with long residual efficacy. More information on biology and control can be found from Penn State.

 

Blueberry

As we look to postharvest management in blueberries, the focus is on sharp-nosed leafhopper, scales, black shadow, and fall weed management. Sharp-nosed leafhopper and scale crawler numbers remain low but will continue to be monitored into September.

For weekly reports on blueberry pests and recommendations read the Rutgers Blueberry Bulletin.

Filed Under: Blueberry, Commercial Ag Updates, Fruit, Tree Fruit, Uncategorized, Wine Grape
August 12, 2025 , and

Fruit IPM Report August 12, 2025

Peach:

Oriental Fruit Moth: A biofix point for OFM was set on 4/2 in southern counties, and on 4/17 in northern counties. The third generation timings are over in all regions. Additional treatments should be made if trap captures are over 6 moths per trap.

Insecticide Type
County/Region Degree Days by  8/11 base 45 Conventional

2000-2100 2350-2450

 Diamide

2025-2150 2375-2450
Gloucester – Southern 3086 1st –past

2nd –Past

 1st –past

2nd –past
Middlesex – Northern 2885 1st –past

2nd –past

 1st –past

2nd –past

Scale Insects: Scale crawler emergence is past peak and declining. White Peach scale has a third generation in September and San Jose scale may have a third generation in October. Options at this point include Assail, Belay (Group 4A); and the bioinsecticide Venerate. These products may provide some late season suppression where fruit damage is observed. Venerate has a 0-day PHI, making it useful for blocks near or at harvest.

Apples and Pears:

Diseases: Summer scab, rots and sooty blotch and fly speck are the main targets at this time. Captan plus a phosphorous acid like Prophyt can slow scab development as well as provide good summer disease control. Merivon and Luna Sensation are effective materials for summer diseases to use close to harvest.

Figure 1. Brown marmorated stink bug first instar nymphs recently emerged from egg masses. Photo by Kaitlin Quinn.

Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs: Brown Marmorated Stink bugs are present at low to moderate levels in orchards statewide (Figure 1). See the NJ Tree Fruit Production guide for effective materials.

Codling Moth (CM): A biofix was set for CM on April 28th in southern counties, and April 30 in Northern counties. Second generation treatments according to the degree day model are now over. Additional treatments should be made if trap captures are over 5 moths/trap. Some orchards have had continuing trap captures above threshold.

Scale Insects: For San Jose scale see the peach section above.

Phenology Table: Based on annual observations made in Gloucester County.

Pest Event or Growth Stage Approximate Date 2025 Observed Date
 Bud Swell (Redhaven/PF-17)  March 23 +/- 15 Days March 30
1/4″ Green Tip Red Delicious March 31 +/- 13 Days March 30
Pink Peach (Redhaven/PF-17) April 4 +/- 15 Days April 1
Tight Cluster Red Delicious April 9 +/- 13 Days April 5
Full Bloom Peach (Redhaven/PF-17) April 9 +/- 14 Days April 10
Pink Apple (Red Delicious) April 14 +/- 12 Days April 16
Full Bloom Apple (Red Delicious) April 22 +/- 11 Days April 25
Petal Fall (Redhaven) April 22 +/- 10 Days April 19
Petal Fall (Red Delicious) April 27 +/- 13 Days May 2
Shuck Split (Redhaven) April 30 +/- 11 Days April 26
Pit Hardening June 15 +/- 9 Days June 15

Tree Fruit Trap Captures – Southern Counties

Week Ending STLM TABM-A CM BMSB OFM-A DWB OFM-P TABM-P LPTB PTB
4/5/2025 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
4/12/2025 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 0
4/21/2025 0 0 0 0 36 0 1 0 0 0
4/27/2025 25 0 0 0 24 0 5 0 1 0
5/2/2025 517 0 4 0 12 0 6 0 13 0
5/9/2025 159 4 10 0 3 16 5 4 46 0
5/16/2025 91 11 6 0 1 36 2 14 69 0
5/23/2025 299 21 3 0 1 23 1 26 23 0
5/30/2025 399 14 2 0 0 41 1 11 10 3
6/6/2025 733 13 1 0 0 36 2 12 29 1
6/13/2025 684 19 2 1 0 81 2 17 22 8
6/20/2025 724 24 2 0.5 1 60 1 23 19 12
6/27/2025 932 5 1 0.8 1 40 0 5 24 14
7/4/2025 643 0 0 0.75 1 17 0 0 6 16
7/11/2025 194 0 0 0.5 0 18 8 0 24 15
7/18/2025 190 0 0 1 0 16 2 1 5 12
7/25/2025 222 2 1 1.6 0 16 1 2 12 21
8/1/2025 450 1 0 2 1 24 2 1 21 18
8/8/2025 523 2 1 2 0 35 5 2 30 19

Tree Fruit Trap Captures – Northern Counties

Week Ending STLM TABM-A CM BMSB OFM-A DWB OFM-P TABM-P LPTB PTB AMBROSIA BEETLE
4/5/2025 387 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
4/21/2025 435 0 0 0 0 0 1.3 0 0 0 0
4/27/2025 26 0 0 0 0 0 25 0 0 0 72
5/2/2025 86 0 0.33 0 72.5 0 47.2 0 0 0 136
5/9/2025 56 0 5.3 0 58.8 0 22.9 0 0 0 145
5/16/2025 13.75 2.6 7.3 0 4 0 5 0 0 0 50.5
5/23/2025 4.8 10.3 10.5 0 0.6 31.25 4.2 0 14.6 1 22.2
5/30/2025 2.2 4.8 1.8 0 0 12.4 9.6 0 9.6 1.9 22.1
6/6/2025 3 4.83 2.8 0.25 0 20 4.1 0 21.2 1.8 40.3
6/13/2025 65 20 11.4 0.6 0 12.3 4 0 10.5 1.5 59.2
6/20/2025 26 26 8 0.75 1 13 4.5 0 11 0.75 52
6/27/2025 145 19 6 1.3 6 35 5.4 0 16 1.6 38
7/4/2025 212 6 3 0.6 12.5 40 2 0 8.4 1.1 27
7/11/2025 125 2.5 0.5 0.14 5 41 3 0 20 4.5 48
7/18/2025 64 0.5 0.4 0.16 2 42 2 0 8.4 1.9 64
7/25/2025 110.5 0.4 2.3 0.24 7.5 44 4 0 6.8 12.2 69
8/1/2025 132 0.5 2.8 0.4 5.7 42.5 2.9 0 8 6.2 71.5
8/8/2025 157 1.9 0.6 0.41 6 27.8 8.3 0 10.8 5.5 78

Grapes:

Diseases: Grapes are beginning veraison in southern counties. Disease management continues to focus on downy mildew (Figure 2), and also powdery mildew, bunch rot, and black rot. Refer to the NJ Commercial Grape Production Guide for information on control.

Figure 2. Downy mildew on grape.

Grape Berry Moth: The timing for the third generation is past. In some hot summers a fourth generation may occur; however no further treatments should be needed, especially where insecticides are being applied for Spotted lanternfly.

Spotted Lanternfly: Spotted lantern fly adults are now appearing in vineyards. As we move into September adult migration will increase and at that point growers should apply materials with long residual efficacy. More information on biology and control can be found from Penn State.

Spotted-Wing Drosophila: Trap counts continue to remain high in blueberries in southern counties. Monitoring efforts have shifted to grapes as veraison progresses and ripe fruit becomes vulnerable to infestation.

For weekly reports on blueberry pests and recommendations read the Rutgers Blueberry Bulletin.

Filed Under: Blueberry, Commercial Ag Updates, Fruit, Tree Fruit, Wine Grape
July 29, 2025 , and

Fruit IPM Report July 29, 2025

Peach:

Diseases:  Brown rot: Brown rot is appearing in ripening fruit throughout the state. Highly effective rot materials such as DMI’s (FRAC group 3) and Strobilurins (FRAC group 11) should be applied beginning 3 – 4 weeks prior to harvest. See the NJ Commercial Tree Fruit Production Guide for more information.

Tarnished Plant Bugs; and Other Cat-facing Insects: Cat-facing insects remain active in orchards. The percent fruit injury observed remains low (average <1%).

Oriental Fruit Moth: A biofix point for OFM was set on 4/2 for southern counties and 4/17 in northern counties. See below for timings for third generation.

OFM 3nd Generation Timing
Insecticide Type
County/Region Degree Days by 7/28 base 45 Conventional

2100-2200

2450-2500

 Intrepid/Rimon

2000-2100

2350-2450

 Diamides/Virus

2025-2150

2375-2450
Gloucester – Southern 2691 1st –past

2nd – past

 1st –past

2nd – past

 1st –past

2nd – past
Middlesex – Northern 2490 1st – past

2nd – 7/27-7/29

 1st – past

2nd – 7/24-7/27

 1st – past

2nd – 7/25-7/27

 

Figure 1. San Jose scale crawlers (orange motile insects) on peach. Photo by Dave Schmitt.

Scale Insects: Numbers of scale crawlers on traps in southern county orchards are increasing indicating the second generation has emerged (Figure 1).

Crawler emergence will continue through August. Esteem and Centaur are both good scale materials that should be applied at the start of crawler emergence. These materials should only need one application. Other options include: Assail, Belay, Actara (Group 4A): Closer (Group 4C); Sivanto (Group 4D) and Venerate. These products may need more than one application. Venerate is a good option as a pre-harvest treatment with a 0-day PHI.

Japanese Beetles: Japanese beetles and June bugs have been observed feeding on fruit throughout the state. Adults are attracted to ripening fruit. Insecticides that are effective against Japanese beetles and june bugs are products that contain imidacloprid (Admire pro and Leverage 360), Danitol, and Sevin.

Apples and Pears:

Figure 2. Bitter rot infection on maturing apple fruit.

Diseases: Various rots but mostly bitter rot is present in orchards throughout the state (Figure 2).

Research has suggested products such as Merivon, Luna Sensation, Inspire Super, Omega, and Aprovia are effective rot materials to be alternated with broad-spectrum fungicides such as captan and ziram. Phosphorous acid products such as Prophyt or Rampart can be added to captan sprays to improve control.

Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs: Brown Marmorated Stink bugs are being captured at low levels in orchards statewide. Both adults and nymphs are present. See the NJ Tree Fruit Production guide for effective materials.

Codling Moth (CM): Second generation timings are updated below. Adult male trap captures continue and increased slightly in some southern county orchards last week. Additional applications should be made if trap captures exceed 5 moths/trap.

Codling Moth Degree Day Timing – Second Generation
Application and Insecticide Type
County Area Biofix Rimon:

75-100DD + 14-17 days later

 

 Intrepid

1150 + 1450 DD

Diamides – Altacor, Voliam mixes: (150-200 DD)

 Madex

1250 DD + every 7-9 days during brood hatch (later if first spray is an IGR)

 Standard Insecticides –  Delegate, Avaunt, OP’s, carbamates, pyrethroids

1250 DD + 1550 DD

 
DD 1150 1450 1250 1250 1550
Southern April 28 N/A N/A past past past past past
Northern  April 30 N/A N/A past past past past past

Scale Insects: See earlier statement on scale insects in peaches.

Phenology Table: Based on annual observations made in Gloucester County.

Pest Event or Growth Stage Approximate Date 2025 Observed Date
 Bud Swell (Redhaven/PF-17)  March 23 +/- 15 Days March 30
1/4″ Green Tip Red Delicious March 31 +/- 13 Days March 30
Pink Peach (Redhaven/PF-17) April 4 +/- 15 Days April 1
Tight Cluster Red Delicious April 9 +/- 13 Days April 5
Full Bloom Peach (Redhaven/PF-17) April 9 +/- 14 Days April 10
Pink Apple (Red Delicious) April 14 +/- 12 Days April 16
Full Bloom Apple (Red Delicious) April 22 +/- 11 Days April 25
Petal Fall (Redhaven) April 22 +/- 10 Days April 19
Petal Fall (Red Delicious) April 27 +/- 13 Days May 2
Shuck Split (Redhaven) April 30 +/- 11 Days April 26
Pit Hardening June 15 +/- 9 Days June 15

Tree Fruit Trap Captures – Southern Counties

Week Ending STLM TABM-A CM BMSB OFM-A DWB OFM-P TABM-P LPTB PTB
4/5/2025 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
4/12/2025 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 0
4/21/2025 0 0 0 0 36 0 1 0 0 0
4/27/2025 25 0 0 0 24 0 5 0 1 0
5/2/2025 517 0 4 0 12 0 6 0 13 0
5/9/2025 159 4 10 0 3 16 5 4 46 0
5/16/2025 91 11 6 0 1 36 2 14 69 0
5/23/2025 299 21 3 0 1 23 1 26 23 0
5/30/2025 399 14 2 0 0 41 1 11 10 3
6/6/2025 733 13 1 0 0 36 2 12 29 1
6/13/2025 684 19 2 1 0 81 2 17 22 8
6/20/2025 724 24 2 0.5 1 60 1 23 19 12
6/27/2025 932 5 1 0.8 1 40 0 5 24 14
7/4/2025 643 0 0 0.75 1 17 0 0 6 16
7/11/2025 194 0 0 0.5 0 18 8 0 24 15
7/18/2025 190 0 0 1 0 16 2 1 5 12
7/25/2025 222 2 1 1.6 0 16 1 2 12 21

Tree Fruit Trap Captures – Northern Counties

Week Ending STLM TABM-A CM BMSB OFM-A DWB OFM-P TABM-P LPTB PTB AMBROSIA BEETLE
4/5/2025 387 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
4/21/2025 435 0 0 0 0 0 1.3 0 0 0 0
4/27/2025 26 0 0 0 0 0 25 0 0 0 72
5/2/2025 86 0 0.33 0 72.5 0 47.2 0 0 0 136
5/9/2025 56 0 5.3 0 58.8 0 22.9 0 0 0 145
5/16/2025 13.75 2.6 7.3 0 4 0 5 0 0 0 50.5
5/23/2025 4.8 10.3 10.5 0 0.6 31.25 4.2 0 14.6 1 22.2
5/30/2025 2.2 4.8 1.8 0 0 12.4 9.6 0 9.6 1.9 22.1
6/6/2025 3 4.83 2.8 0.25 0 20 4.1 0 21.2 1.8 40.3
6/13/2025 65 20 11.4 0.6 0 12.3 4 0 10.5 1.5 59.2
6/20/2025 26 26 8 0.75 1 13 4.5 0 11 0.75 52
6/27/2025 145 19 6 1.3 6 35 5.4 0 16 1.6 38
7/4/2025 212 6 3 0.6 12.5 40 2 0 8.4 1.1 27
7/11/2025 125 2.5 0.5 0.14 5 41 3 0 20 4.5 48
7/18/2025 64 0.5 0.4 0.16 2 42 2 0 8.4 1.9 64
7/25/2025 110.5 0.4 2.3 0.24 7.5 44 4 0 6.8 12.2 69

Grape: Grapes are beginning veraison in southern counties. Third generation grape berry moths are actively flying and larvae have been observed feeding in grape bunches.

Figure 3. Downy mildew on the underside of a grape leaf.

Refer to the Commercial Grape Pest Control Recommendations for New Jersey for management options. Spotted lanternfly adults are now being reported in vineyards in southern NJ. Japanese beetles are actively feeding on foliage. Stink bugs have also been observed in vineyards in southern counties. Disease management continues to focus on downy mildew (Figure 3).

Blueberry: Spotted-wing drosophila trap captures remain high at an average of 52 males and 35 in Atlantic and Burlington Counties, respectively. Treatments for spotted-wing drosophila should continue on a 7-day schedule where susceptible fruit remain in the field. For management recommendations, refer to Commercial Blueberry Pest Control Recommendations for New Jersey. For weekly reports on blueberry pests and recommendations read the Rutgers Blueberry Bulletin.

Filed Under: Blueberry, Commercial Ag Updates, Fruit, Tree Fruit, Wine Grape