Peach:

Plum Curculio (PC): PC oviposition should be done in all areas of the state, and there is up to 2-3% of fruit injury with egg scars. We have accumulated about 911 DD since petal fall (apple) in southern counties and just over 663 DD in Hunterdon County. The Cornell model calls for insecticides applied up to the 340 DD₅₀ mark. Therefore, all sprays for this insect should be done. The model assumes a single generation in NJ, which is historically what we have had. New research from Anne Nielsen’s lab is telling us that the southern strain of PC is also present in the state. This is a multi-voltine strain, which means there is more than one generation per year in some parts of the state. Therefore with an early spring, we may see additional injury later in the season. [Read more…]

Peach:

Oriental Fruit Moth: First generation timings are updated below:

[Read more…]

Apples:

Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB): BMSB presence is spotty and still much higher than it was earlier in the summer. Now that apples (and pears) are the only fruit present for BMSB to feed on, growers must have a program to address this pressure. [Read more…]

Peach:

Peachtree Borer (PTB) and Lesser Peachtree Borer (LPTB): Now is the time to treat for peachtree borers and lesser borers. PTB has one generation per year, while LPTB and 2 generations per year. Over the last 10 years PTB has caused more problems than LPTB. It is not unusual to find multiple borer larvae in a single mature tree. At minimum this is a stress that the trees do not need to survive the winter and be productive for the following season. Too many larvae can kill the tree, and in young trees only 1-2 larvae can kill the tree. The trick is to apply insecticide soon after most of the eggs have been laid, which is now, and before the larvae get too established in the trunk. Lorsban has been the best product available for this use, and must be used now after the fruit is off and while the larvae have just emerged. Make sure to apply liberal amounts of water in a high volume soaking spray directed at the trunk. This is likely the last year that Lorsban will be able to be used. When Lorsban is gone, mating disruption will need to take its place, and applied in the Spring. Other insecticides are also labeled for this pest, but they have been shown to be less effective. [Read more…]