March 22, 2021

Nursery Pest Scouting Guide: 25-60 Growing Degree-days (Southern NJ will hit approx. 45 GDD by Friday)

Please print or download the two resources of this post (click on them): 

The information provided in the downloads gives early season scouting ranges (in growing degree days, base 50F) for specific insect pests harming nursery crop production and maintenance. Additionally, forecasting predictions (GDD50 accumulation) for calendar dates of multiple regions of New Jersey (S,N,C) are provided.

To determine your local growing degree-days, please review this post “Obtaining your local growing degree-day information”

Scouting Ranges:

  • This document supports scouting, it does not replace it. Keeping good notes on pest development will help dial in scouting and treatment efforts at your local level.
  • It is important to note that these GDD50 are not exact, rather provide a range of GDD and subsequent calendar dates that can be used to scout for, and treat for, insect pests.
  • The pests listed here will be listed again in future scouting range announcements as they undergo further developmental life stages or are vulnerable to management options.
  • If you need more information, OR you are regularly seeing specific pest development stages at growing degree-days different than those listed here, please contact Tim Waller at twaller@njaes.rutgers.edu

 

Projected GDD50 accumulation as of
NJ – Region Location March 1st April 1st May 1st June 1st July 1st
Southern Upper Deerfield (NJ50) 0 48 157 564 1241
Central Howell / Freehold (NJ10) 0 26 107 455 1076
Northern High Point (NJ59) 0 5 11 224 676
Forecast: NOAA NCEP Coupled Forecast System model version 2 (CFSv2) forecast system (3.5 months) (USPEST.ORG)

 

Pest Scouting – Growing Degree-day Ranges  (25-60 GDD50) 
CROP TYPE Common Name Scientific Name GDD Min (50F) GDD Max (95F) Reference Developmental / Target Stage
Conifer Eastern spruce gall adelgid Adelges abietis 25 100 3 Spring control of overwintering stage
Conifer Northern pine weevil Pissodes approximatus 25 100 4 1st adults active
Conifer Zimmerman pine moth Dioryctria zimmermani 25 100 3 1st larvae active
Conifer Cooley spruce gall adelgid Adelges cooleyi 25 120 3 Spring control of overwintering stage
Conifer White pine weevil Pissodes strobi 25 220 4 1st adults active
Shade trees European fruit lecanium Parthenolecanium corni 35 145 2 Spring control of overwintering stage
Many, evergreen Euonymus scale Unaspis euonymi 35 120 2 Spring control of overwintering stage
Conifer European pine sawfly Neodiprion sertifer 35 145 1 Hatched larvae
Conifer Fletcher scale Parthenolecanium fletcheri 35 148 2 Spring control of overwintering stage
Conifer European pine shoot moth / borer Rhyacionia buoiana 50 220 4 1st larvae active
Maples Maple bladdergall mite Vasates quadripedes 58 148 2 Spring control of overwintering stage
Honeylocust Honeylocust plant bug Diaphnocoris chlorionis 58 246 2 Nympths / adults active
Conifer Pine tortoise scale Toumeyela parvicornis 58 148 2 Cralwer activity
Conifer Pine bark adelgid Pineus strobi 58 618 2 Spring control of overwintering stage
Conifer Balsam twig aphid Mindarus abietinus 60 100 4 Egg hatch
References RU Rutgers Cooperative Extension – IPM Notes
2 http://ccetompkins.org/resources/using-growing-degree-days-for-insect-management
3 https://extension.psu.edu/ipm-basics-for-christmas-trees#section-2
4 https://www.canr.msu.edu/ipm/agriculture/christmas_trees/gdd_of_conifer_insects
5 https://www.agriculture.nh.gov/publications-forms/documents/landscape-pests.pdf
6 https://extension.umd.edu/ipm/pest-predictive-calendar-landscapenursery

 

(Please note: we will be providing pest GDD ranges regularly throughout the season for our green industries)

 

Important notes about growing degree-day models:

  1. These models do not replace scouting. They should guide scouting efforts and pest management programs, once the vulnerable life stage or economic threshold of a pest is recorded. Observations at a local level for specific pests is critical to IPM efforts and further refinement of degree-day-based predictions.
  2. GDD50 values for pest development are not exact, rather they should be viewed as a range. 
  3. The growing degree-day model (GDD50) is general by design. Some insect pests have specific formulas for their growth and development (some examples here). However, the GDD50 model is useful for many pests and plant species.
  4. Many GDD50 target values were developed in other parts of the country and should be ‘ground truthed’ at a local level. Blind applications of pesticides, without truthing pest development, may not deliver desired outcomes.
Filed Under: Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Nursery, Turf
March 18, 2021

Early Season Conifer and Christmas Tree Pest Scouting List Using Growing Degree-days (base 50F)

Please print or download the two resources of this post (click on them): 

The information provided in the downloads gives early season scouting ranges (in growing degree days, base 50F) for specific insect pests harming conifer and Christmas tree production and maintenance. Additionally, forecasting predictions (GDD50 accumulation) for calendar dates of multiple regions of New Jersey (S,N,C) are provided.

To determine your local growing degree-days, please review this post “Obtaining your local growing degree-day information”

Scouting Ranges:

  • This document supports scouting, it does not replace it. Keeping good notes on pest development will help dial in scouting and treatment efforts at your local level.
  • It is important to note that these GDD50 are not exact, rather provide a range of GDD and subsequent calendar dates that can be used to scout for, and treat for, insect pests.
  • The pests listed here will be listed again in future scouting range announcements as they undergo further developmental life stages or are vulnerable to management options.
  • If you need more information, OR you are regularly seeing specific pest development stages at growing degree-days different than those listed here, please contact Tim Waller at twaller@njaes.rutgers.edu

 

Projected GDD50 accumulation as of
NJ Region Location March 1st April 1st May 1st June 1st July 1st
Southern Upper Deerfield (NJ50) 0 24 133 540 1217
Central Howell / Freehold (NJ10) 0 14 95 443 1064
Northern High Point (NJ59) 0 1 7 220 672
Forecast: NOAA NCEP Coupled Forecast System model version 2 (CFSv2) forecast system (3.5 months) (USPEST.ORG)

 

Early Season Conifer Pest Scouting – Growing Degree-day Ranges Starting (0-300 GDD50)
Common Name Scientific Name GDD Min (50F) GDD Max (95F) Reference Developmental / Target Stage
Conifer rust mites Eriophyidae 7 22 4 Overwintering eggs hatch
Eastern pine weevil Pissodes nemorensis 7 58 RU Overwintering adults become active / prevent egg laying
Taxus mealybug Dysmicoccus wistariae 7 91 2 Spring control of overwintering stage
Cottony taxus scale Pulvinaria floccifera 7 91 6 Spring control of overwintering stage
Elongate hemlock scale Fiorinia externa 7 120 2 Spring control of overwintering stage
Spruce spider mite Oligonychus ununguis 7 121 RU Overwintering eggs hatch
Pales weevil Hylobius pales 7 121 RU Overwintering adults become active / prevent egg laying
White pine aphid Cinara strobi 22 91 RU Spring control of overwintering stage
Pine bark adelgid Pineus strobi 22 58 2 Spring control of overwintering stage
Spruce bud scale Physokermes piceae 22 120 2 Spring control of overwintering stage
Juniper scale Carulaspis juniperi 22 148 2 Spring control of overwintering stage
Eastern spruce gall adelgid Adelges abietis 25 100 3 spring control of overwintering stage
Northern pine weevil Pissodes approximatus 25 100 4 1st adults active
Zimmerman pine moth Dioryctria zimmermani 25 100 3 1st larvae active
Cooley spruce gall adelgid Adelges cooleyi 25 120 3 Spring control of overwintering stage
White pine weevil Pissodes strobi 25 220 4 1st adults active
European pine sawfly Neodiprion sertifer 35 145 1 Spring control of overwintering stage
Fletcher scale Parthenolecanium fletcheri 35 148 2 Spring control of overwintering stage
European pine shoot moth / borer Rhyacionia buoiana 50 220 4 1st larvae active
Pine tortoise scale Toumeyela parvicornis 58 148 2 Cralwer activity
Pine bark adelgid Pineus strobi 58 618 2 Spring control of overwintering stage
Balsam twig aphid Mindarus abietinus 60 100 4 Egg hatch
Eastern pine shoot borer Eucosma gloriola 75 200 4 1st adults active
Cooley spruce gall adelgid Adelges cooleyi 90 180 4 1st adults active – Douglas fir
Balsam twig aphid Mindarus abietinus 100 150 4 Stem mothers present (control target)
Pine engraver (Ips bark beetle) Ips spp. 100 150 4 1st adults active
European pine sawfly Neodiprion sertifer 100 195 4 1st larvae active
Larch casebearer Coleophora laricella 120 150 4 Egg hatch
Nantucket pine tip moth Rhyacionia frustrana 121 448 RU 1st generation egg hatch
Gypsy moth Lymantria dispar 145 200 4 Egg hatch, 1st larvae
Spruce spider mite Oligonychus ununguis 150 175 4 1st egg hatch
Spruce needleminer Endothenia albolineana 150 200 4 1st larvae active
Balsam gall midge Paradiplosis tumifex 150 300 4 Adults laying eggs
Spruce budworm Choristoneura fumiferana 200 300 4 1st larvae active
Cooley spruce gall adelgid Adelges cooleyi 200 310 4 1st galls visible – Spruce
Arborvitae leafminer Argyresthia thuiella 245 360 4 Larvae in mines; 1st generation
Eastern spruce gall adelgid Adelges abietis 250 310 4 Egg hatch, galls begin forming
Pine needle scale Chionaspis pinifoliae 298 448 4 1st generation egg hatch
Pine root collar weevil Hylobius radicis 300 350 4 1st adults active
Turpentine beetle Dendroctonus terebrans 300 350 4 Parent beetles colonizing brood material
References RU Rutgers Cooperative Extension – IPM Notes
2 http://ccetompkins.org/resources/using-growing-degree-days-for-insect-management
3 https://www.canr.msu.edu/ipm/agriculture/christmas_trees/gdd_of_conifer_insects
4 https://extension.psu.edu/ipm-basics-for-christmas-trees#section-2
5 https://www.agriculture.nh.gov/publications-forms/documents/landscape-pests.pdf
6 https://extension.umd.edu/ipm/pest-predictive-calendar-landscapenursery

(Please note: we will be providing pest GDD ranges regularly throughout the season for our green industries)

 

Important notes about growing degree-day models:

  1. These models do not replace scouting. They should guide scouting efforts and pest management programs, once the vulnerable life stage or economic threshold of a pest is recorded. Observations at a local level for specific pests is critical to IPM efforts and further refinement of degree-day-based predictions.
  2. GDD50 values for pest development are not exact, rather they should be viewed as a range. 
  3. The growing degree-day model (GDD50) is general by design. Some insect pests have specific formulas for their growth and development (some examples here). However, the GDD50 model is useful for many pests and plant species.
  4. Many GDD50 target values were developed in other parts of the country and should be ‘ground truthed’ at a local level. Blind applications of pesticides, without truthing pest development, may not deliver desired outcomes.

 

Filed Under: Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Nursery, Turf Tagged With: , , , , , ,
March 17, 2021

Obtaining your local Growing Degree-day information

Why use local growing degree-day models?

  1. You need to know local growing degree-day accumulation values to use pest scouting/management target lists like this. 
  2. Timing is everything in pest management! Degree-day models allow us to predict when to scout for pests and when to target vulnerable life stages of pest development.
  3. Growing degree-days (GDD50) refer to the of accumulation heating units, which are the average air temperature over a 24h period minus the minimum temperature threshold. To be considered a ‘growing’ degree-day, the minimum (or base) temperature threshold is 50°F.
  4. GDD50 can be used to determine when pest life stage events such as egg hatch, adult emergence, crawler activity, adult flight, and others are likely to occur.
  5. Many times plant and insect developmental stages coincide, thus Plant Phenological Indicators can be utilized to accurately scout for pests.
  6. Luckily, we do not need to manually enter or track this data due to the availability of FREE online tools.

Important notes about growing degree-day models:

  1. These models do not replace scouting. They should guide scouting efforts and pest management programs, once the vulnerable life stage or economic threshold of a pest is recorded. Observations at a local level for specific pests is critical to IPM efforts and further refinement of degree-day-based predictions.
  2. GDD50 values for pest development are not exact, rather they should be viewed as a range. 
  3. The growing degree-day model (GDD50) is general by design. Some insect pests have specific formulas for their growth and development (some examples here). However, the GDD50 model is useful for many pests and plant species.
  4. Many GDD50 target values were developed in other parts of the country and should be ‘ground truthed’ at a local level. Blind applications of pesticides, without truthing pest development, may not deliver desired outcomes.

Two examples of degree-day calculators with instructions:

USPEST.org (home page) delivers a wide variety of degree-day, climatic, and risk-based modeling tools for various applications in agriculture. This resource also has a number of important disease predictive tools such as the Boxwood Blight Risk Model. The USPEST growing degree-day application allows for day-to-day monitoring as well as historical and predictive data. The following directions seem complicated but after a few attempts, it is easy to become proficient with this incredibly powerful modeling system. Remember BASE TEMP MUST = 50°F (for all models to be considered a ‘growing’ degree-day model)

Table 1. Uspest.org – Degree-day / Phenology Model – quick reference guide
Step # Tab Sub-category Instructions Notes
– Intro – Educational Detailed instructions
1 Station Search bar Enter – area code, town, or weather station code example zip code: 08302
Drop-down menu Select – location of interest example: NJ50 = Upper Deerfield
2 Model Model Category Select – all models –
Model Select – degree-day calculator (general purpose) Many interesting degree-day calculators are available
Calculation Method Select – Simple average/growing dds  Average air temperature over 24 hours minus lower (base) temperature threshold
Lower Input – 50 ℉  50℉ : lower threshold must be used for ‘growing’ degree-day predictions/charts
Upper Input – 95 ℉ 95℉ : often used as upper temperature threshold value
Dates Select – date range Can be current, past, or future date ranges
Options Optional* – modify forecast type Default forecasting model: NMME (North American Multi-Model Ensemble)
3 Output Model Output Select – show full table (daily GDD accumulation) ‘DDs cumu’ = accumulated degree-days from selected start date
4 Graph Graph No action required Graphical display of current year, forecasts, and previous years based on ‘Dates’ selected
Link: https://uspest.org/dd/model_app

 

NEWA (homepage). Cornell University in cooperation with twenty-eight other groups and universities (including Rutgers) coordinate NEWA. NEWA contains a wide variety of robust degree-day models, climatic information and maps, and risk-based modeling tools for various applications in multitude crop systems. This resource also has a number of very useful, disease specific, predictive / monitoring / management tools for fruit, row, and vegetable crop diseases in addition to their growing degree-day model  (limited forecasting).

  • NEWA growing degree-day model instructions: State: select a state in the USA; Weather Station = find a local station from the list or click on the map; Degree-day type = Degree Days – Base 50. Then select the time range you wish to view. Once completed press Get Report. The results will display current and a 5-day forecast.

Informative resources: 

Please contact Tim Waller – Cumberland Co. Extension (Nursery Agent) if you need assistance setting up and using these powerful tools. (twaller@njaes.rutgers.edu)

Filed Under: Commercial Ag Updates, Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Nursery, Turf Tagged With: , , , , , ,
March 11, 2021

Early Season Pest Scouting 0-25 Growing Degree-days (Pest GDD list and forecasting)

Please download or print the two resources of this post (click on them): 

How to use this pest scouting / growing degree-day (GDD50) information:

The information provided in the downloads give early season scouting ranges (in growing degree days) for specific insect pests. Additionally, forecasting predictions (GDD50 accumulation) per calendar date for multiple regions of New Jersey (S,N,C).

(Please note: we will be providing pest GDD ranges regularly throughout the season for our green industries)

Scouting Ranges (please download / print above resources):

  • It is important to note that these GDD50 are not exact, rather provide a range of GDD and subsequent calendar dates that can be used to scout for, and treat for, insect pests.
  • The pests listed here will be listed again in future scouting range announcements as they undergo further developmental life stages or are vulnerable to management options.
Pest Scouting – Growing Degree-day Ranges Starting (0-25 GDD50)
Crop type Common Name Scientific Name GDD Min (50F) GDD Max (95F) Reference Developmental / Target Stage
Conifer Conifer rust mites Eriophyidae 7 22 4 Overwintering eggs hatch
Pomes, Stone fruit European red mite Panonychus ulmi 7 58 2 1st adults active
Conifer White pine weevil Pissodes strobi 7 58 RU Overwintering adults become active / prevent egg laying
Deciduous Oystershell scale Lepidosaphes ulmi 7 91 2 Spring control of overwintering stage
Deciduous, Yew Cottony camellia / taxus scale Pulvinaria floccifera 7 91 5 Spring control of overwintering stage
Many Southern red mite Oligonychus ilicis 7 91 5 Overwintering eggs hatch
Conifer Taxus mealybug Dysmicoccus wistariae 7 91 2 Spring control of overwintering stage
Oaks Kermes oak scales Kermes spp. 7 91 2 Spring control of overwintering stage
Conifer Elongate hemlock scale Fiorinia externa 7 120 2 Spring control of overwintering stage
Many Aphids Aphidoidea 7 120 2 Spring control of overwintering stage
Conifer Spruce spider mite Oligonychus ununguis 7 121 RU Overwintering eggs hatch
Oaks Golden oak scale Asterolecanium variolosum 7 121 5 Spring control of overwintering stage
Conifer Pales weevil Hylobius pales 7 121 RU Overwintering adults become active / prevent egg laying
Magnoliaceae Tuliptree scale Toumeyella liriodendri 12 121 2 Spring control of overwintering stage
Rhododendron, Azalea Azalea lacebug Stephanitis pyrioides 18 372 RU Spring control of overwintering stage
White and Scotch Pine White pine aphid Cinara strobi 22 91 RU Spring control of overwintering stage
Conifer Pine bark adelgid Pineus strobi 22 58 2 Spring control of overwintering stage
Magnoliaceae Magnolia scale Neolecanium cornuparvum 22 91 2 Spring control of overwintering stage
Conifer Spruce bud scale Physokermes piceae 22 120 2 Spring control of overwintering stage
Conifer Juniper scale Carulaspis juniperi 22 148 2 Spring control of overwintering stage
Conifer Eastern spruce gall adelgid Adelges abietis 25 100 3 spring control of overwintering stage
Conifer Zimmerman pine moth Dioryctria zimmermani 25 100 3 1st larvae
Conifer Cooley spruce gall adelgid Adelges cooleyi 25 120 3 Spring control of overwintering stage
References RU Rutgers Cooperative Extension – IPM Notes
2 http://ccetompkins.org/resources/using-growing-degree-days-for-insect-management
3 https://www.canr.msu.edu/ipm/agriculture/christmas_trees/gdd_of_conifer_insects
4 https://extension.psu.edu/ipm-basics-for-christmas-trees#section-2
5 https://www.agriculture.nh.gov/publications-forms/documents/landscape-pests.pdf

 

Forecasting (please download / print above resources):

  • The forecasting can help you know what to scout for and when to have materials ready if treatment is required.
  • In the printable resource; look at the date on the bottom of the graph and follow that to the GDD shown to get a better understanding of GDD accumulation at calendar dates. These models change constantly as they are reliant on weather patterns but are still extremely beneficial.
  • Site specific GDD50 models, like those shown in the printable resource can be obtained at USPEST.ORG
  • NEWA-Cornell also have great degree-day models and maps that are useful for regional and specific GDD information
  • Please review Tim Waller’s previous post on utilizing growing degree-day calculators
NJ – Location Station Code GDD-Today GDD-3/19 (next Friday)
Upper Deerfield NJ50 9 19
Howell NJ10 6 16
High Point NJ59 0 4
*predicted

 Contact Tim Waller (twaller@njaes.rutgers.edu) for more information.

Filed Under: Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Nursery, Turf
March 4, 2021

Upcoming ornamental meetings, webinars, and Boxwood Blight resources

Virtual education opportunities and digital resources update.

Virtual Meetings:

NJLCA – University 2021 (online)

NJNLA – Total Pro (online)

2021 –Rutgers– Central Jersey Turf & Ornamentals Institute (online)

2021 –Rutgers– 30th Anniversary Rutgers Turfgrass Symposium (online)

FREE-Webinars:

HRI tHrive Series (all taught by international experts):

  • Seeing Red? – Problems with and management options for redheaded flea beetles in nurseries
  • International Boxwood Blight Series: Germany – A 15-Year Love-Hate Relationship
  • Plant Benefits or Features – Which Cue is More Effective?

Boxwood Blight Resources

Please contact Timothy J. Waller with any questions: twaller@njaes.rutgers.edu

Filed Under: Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Nursery, Turf
February 15, 2021

Reminder: Register for the VGA-Nursery/Ornamental sessions by this Wednesday (2/17) for pesticide credits!

Reminder: register here by Wednesday Feb. 17th for pesticide credits!

Please join us at the NEW- Nursery and Ornamentals Track at this year’s virtual VGA

Nursery/Ornamental track is on Monday, February 22nd 

  • Session I:  9:15 – 11:45am
  • Session II:  1:15 – 3:45pm (pesticide recertification credits acquired: 3 Cat 1A; 4 Cat 3A; 4 Cat 8C; 4 Cat 10; 4 PP2)

Click here for additional pesticide credit requirements and instructions (mandatory steps for recertification credits at VGA)

Price options:

  1. One day pass – $60.00
  2. Full 1yr VGA Membership (access to all four days of sessions 2/22-2/25)- $120

Rutgers is dedicated to protecting your privacy and keeping your personal information safe. Upon upload, your files will be encrypted and stored to Rutgers Connect. Your information will be kept strictly confidential; used solely to meet NJDEP ID verification protocol for recertification credit; and will not be used for any other purpose. Your files will be deleted within 60 days after the training event.

New Nursery and Ornamental Track at the 2021 VGA

Filed Under: Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Nursery, Turf