Fruit Crops Edition

Seasonal updates on diseases, insects, weeds impacting tree fruit and small fruit (blueberry, cranberry, and wine grape). Fruit Pest Alerts are also available via this category feed.
 
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Fruit IPM Report for Week of 6/29/2026

 

Apples
Disease Management Considerations
  • Bitter rot symptoms observed in southern and northern counties.
  • Hot, humid weather will increase the risk of fruit rots, including white rot, bitter rot, black rot, sooty blotch, and flyspeck.
  • Cultural control practices will help to minimize impact from disease in orchards: prune for improved air circulation, thin fruit clusters to reduce humidity and inoculum buildup, and cut out cankers that serve as inoculum sources.
  • Broad-spectrum fungicides, such as captan and ziram, are effective. Captan alone may not adequately suppress severe summer disease pressure.
  • Adding single-site products such as Merivon, Luna Sensation, Pristine, Omega, and Aprovia may improve control. The addition of phosphonate products such as ProPhyt or Rampart to captan sprays can improve control of rots and other summer diseases, including sooty blotch and flyspeck. It may help suppress scab infections when present.
  • Where fire blight is present, it is appropriate to prune out infected shoots. Do not cut out infections during wet weather, as bacteria can spread through water. The recommendation is to cut back to last year’s growth, at least 12” back into healthy tissue, and to sterilize pruners between cuttings.
  • Maintain coverage of captan, manzate, or ziram before rain events through the growing season according to the cover spray rule of applications every 2” of rain or 14 days, whichever comes first, to reduce the spread of foliar diseases, including Marssonina Blotch, Glomerella Leaf Spot, and Frogeye Leaf Spot. Foliar diseases can contribute to inoculum build-up in the orchard and significant defoliation of the canopy if left untreated.
  • Rainy seasons require tighter fungicide intervals to maintain coverage. Consider refreshing fungicide protection before major rain events.
Insect Update

Codling Moth (CM): On average, trap counts remain low in orchards across the state, with some numbers increasing at a few sites. Second-generation timings are updated below. Consider management if >5 moths are caught per trap or if fruit injury is observed (Figure 1).

Codling moth injury and larva in developing fruit.

Figure 1. Codling moth injury and larva in developing fruit.

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 20 N/A N/A past 7/10 past past 7/13
Northern  May 5 N/A N/A past 7/13 7/6 7/6 7/17

Scale: Crawler emergence continues, and injury has been observed on fruit in some orchards (Figure 2).

San Jose scale crawlers on apple.

Figure 2. San Jose scale crawlers on apple.

Control options during crawler emergence include Neonicotinoids (suppression only), Sivanto, Esteem, and Centaur. See also the scale discussion under the peach section.

Woolly Apple Aphid (WAA); Green Apple (Spirea) Aphids (GAA): Populations continue to build in some orchards statewide, but on average remain below treatment levels. A treatment threshold is set at 50% of the terminals infested with live colonies. Predation by lady beetles and other predators and parasitoids has been observed and can help to maintain pest populations below damaging thresholds. Scout in known hotspots for WAA colonies now. Minimize use of pyrethroids to manage insect pests, including Brigade and Mustang Max, which can flare pest populations and knock down beneficial organisms and predators. Movento will control WAA and GAA and can suppress scale when crawlers are active. Research from Dr. Monique Rivera at Cornell University has demonstrated good control from Sefina for WAA and can be considered instead of late Movento applications.

Potato leafhopper injury in new apple shoots.

Figure 3. Potato leafhopper injury in new apple shoots.

Potato leafhopper (PLH): Adults and nymphs are present and increasing in apple orchards throughout the state. Feeding damage from PLH results in “hopperburn” symptoms, which include browning & necrosis along leaf margins, along with leaf curling and stunting (Figure 3).

Consider treatment, particularly on young, non-bearing fruit trees. The preferred materials for leafhopper control include Actara, Admire, Assail, Belay, Endigo, and Voliam Flexi.

Ambrosia Beetle: Trap captures have been low in orchards across the state. Monitor for signs of stress or infested trees with “toothpicks” from boring activity and consider trunk sprays if needed.

Dogwood borer: Adult male moths caught in pheromone traps decreased significantly from previous weeks, indicating peak flight activity is coming to an end.

Traps

Average Trap Captures in Apple – Southern Counties

  Week STLM TABM CM OFM DWB AMBROSIA BEETLE BMSB
5/11/2026 18  11  6 3   25   2
5/18/2026 16 21 3 10   54 13
5/25/2026 1.3 23 2 2   71 7
6/1/2026 378 33 3 2   49 6 0.4
6/8/2026 258 11 2 1   61 21 1.2
6/15/2026 355 4 0.6 1.5   57 13 0.8
6/22/2026 178 5 0.6 2   54 8 1.2
6/29/2026 504 0.3 0.1 0.5   27 12 0.8

 

Average Trap Captures in Apple – Northern Counties

  Week STLM TABM CM DWB AMBROSIA BEETLE BMSB
5/11/2026 13.7 1.5 1.8 12.8 1.1
5/18/2026 8.3 13.25 2.4 18.5 10.8
5/25/2026 2.2 13.75 1.2 24.5 5.1
6/1/2026 25.1 24.3 3.4 23.8 9.4 0.3
6/8/2026  94 22.3 0.3 24.6  18 1.4
6/15/2026 68 22.3 1 22.6 14 1.1
6/22/2026 105.9 35 0.7 27.2 8.2 0.5
6/29/2026 100 11.5 0.3 28.9 5.3 0.3
Pears
Disease Management
  • Foliar diseases should be managed with Mancozeb or Ziram, plus a single-site fungicide, to maintain pressure and inoculum at low levels, protecting fruit and maintaining a healthy orchard going into the next season.
  • Where fire blight is present, it is appropriate to prune out infected shoots. Prune out strikes on dry, cooler days, cut back 8-12” back into healthy tissue, and sterilize pruners between cuts.
Insect Update
  • Pear psylla adult and egg stages are present in orchards where populations persist.
  • Options for control include Actara, Assail, and Belay (IRAC group 4A); Sivanto Prime (IRAC group 4D); Delegate (IRAC Group 5); and products containing abamectin (IRAC group 6). Other options include Movento (IRAC Group 23). The addition of 0.25-1 gal of summer oil may improve control. Avoid applying oil at high temperatures, and do not mix with captan. Be sure to read and follow the label instructions for adding penetrants to products.

Peaches
Disease Management
  • Brown rot can be found on developing fruit in southern NJ orchards (Figure 4).
    Brown rot on mature fruit.

    Figure 4. Brown rot on mature fruit.

    Growers should rely on a captan-based program for mid-season covers, followed by better materials during the last 3 weeks’ pre-harvest, where fruit is present and being harvested. See the New Jersey Commercial Tree Fruit Production Guide for more information.   

Insect Update

Oriental Fruit Moth (OFM): We are past the window to target the second generation.

Japanese Beetles: Japanese beetles have been observed feeding in orchards. Products containing imidacloprid (Admire Pro, Leverage 360) are effective and have a short preharvest interval.

Scale: Crawler emergence is active in orchards across the state. If crawlers are present, treatment options include Movento, Esteem, Centaur, Sivanto, and neonicotinoids (for suppression only). Movento and Esteem should be applied a week before or at the start of crawler emergence.

Thrips: Thrips injury has been found in orchards throughout the state (Figure 5).

Russeting on peach from early thrips feeding injury.

Figure 5. Russeting on peach from early thrips feeding injury.

Delegate or Entrust at the highest labeled rate are the usual recommended materials for thrips present in stone fruit. Time applications starting at petal fall to reduce injury. Lannate also has activity on thrips. These materials all have short PHI’s and may be applied close to harvest where thrips are observed.

Tarnished plant bugs and other catfacing insects: Insects are active, but new fruit feeding injury has been minimal.

Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs: Brown Marmorated Stink bugs are present at low to moderate levels and numbers are increasing from previous weeks in orchards statewide. Eggs are hatching and nymphs are present (Figure 6). See the NJ Tree Fruit Production guide for effective materials.

Lesser and Greater Peach Tree Borers: Male moth captures in pheromone traps decreased in number from previous weeks. Mating disruption is recommended to maintain low populations in your orchards.

Traps

Average Trap Captures in Peach – Southern Counties

  Week OFM TABM LPTB PTB BMSB
5/11/2026 5 10
5/18/2026 4 20
5/25/2026 2 20 31 1
6/1/2026 4 46 28 3 0
6/8/2026 8 13 25 3 0.75
6/15/2026 5 6 13 3 0.75
6/22/2026 6 4 23 7 1
6/29/2026 3 0.2 16 6 2

 

Average Trap Captures in Peach – Northern Counties

  Week OFM LPTB PTB
5/11/2026 4.4 24 0
5/18/2026 2.4 16.5 0.2
5/25/2026 0.7 8.75 0.1
6/1/2026 1.8 11 0.5
6/8/2026  0.6  8.5 0.05
6/15/2026 3.5 9.7 1.2
6/22/2026 3.4 7.4 1.6
6/29/2026 2 4.6 1.1

 

Blueberries
Insect Update

Scouting was conducted last week across 119 conventional and organic blueberry fields in Burlington and Atlantic Counties.

This week, the IPM monitoring team observed signs of cherry fruitworm infestation in developing fruit, although infestation levels remain low.

Aphids: Aphid populations remain low at an average of 1–5 aphids per shoot.

Spotted-wing drosophila & Blueberry maggot: Trap captures increased in both Atlantic and Burlington Counties for spotted-wing drosophila. An increase in blueberry maggot trap captures were observed in Atlantic County (Table 1).

Table 1. Spotted-Wing Drosophila and Blueberry Maggot Traps

Spotted-Wing Drosophila Blueberry Maggot
Atlantic County Burlington County Atlantic County Burlington County
Avg High Avg High Avg High Avg High
6/6 8.99 35 2.86 7 0.03 1 0 0
6/12 9.9 46 3.7 25 0 0 0 0
6/20 10.24 48 8.22 35 0 0 0 0
6/27 6.96 78 3.6 18 0 0 0 0
7/3 29.78 273 50.9 81 0.33 27 0 0

 

SWD remains the primary target for insect management. When selecting insecticides, special consideration should be given to products with shorter pre-harvest intervals (PHIs) that provide effective control of these pests while also helping suppress scale crawlers, aphids, and other pest populations above threshold levels. For more information, see the Blueberry Bulletin or Commercial Blueberry Pest Control Recommendations for New Jersey for recommendations.

Diseases

The IPM team continues to observe higher levels of anthracnose than in the previous week. The recent wet weather is conducive for anthracnose development on berries. Fungicide applications are still merited in fields where anthracnose has been reported. Phosphite materials are effective and have a 0-day PHI.

Additionally, mummy berry and Alternaria have been observed during scouting. The increased incidence of Alternaria is most likely associated with fruit injury caused by mechanical harvesting.

For fungicide recommendations, refer to the Rutgers Blueberry Commercial Production Guide or  https://extension.rutgers.edu/sites/default/files/2026-03/bb-v42n01.pdf

% Mummy Berry Infested Fruit % Anthracnose Infested Fruit % Alternaria Infested Fruit
Avg High Avg High Avg High
6/20 0.03 0.9 0.06 2.5 0.004 0.7
6/27 0.007 0.3 0.08 2.2 0.07 3
7/3 0.005 0.2 0.227 4.1 0.07 1.2

Grapes
Insects

Grape Berry Moth (GBM): Second generation adult GBM continue to be captured in pheromone traps and larval activity in bunches has been observed. The degree day timing to treat the second generation has passed. Second generation grape berry moth is not an automatic pest problem in New Jersey vineyards. The need for control is determined by examining bunches for larval activity, beginning in early‐July. An insecticide application is warranted when 5% of the bunches display larval feeding signs.

Japanese beetle: Japanese beetles are present in vineyards feeding on foliage. While established vines can tolerate some foliar injury, young or stressed vines are more susceptible to damage. If damage is severe, Assail, Baythroid, Belay, Danitol, or Sevin should provide the necessary control.

Spotted lanternfly: Population levels have been variable across the state, with average counts of nymphs remaining low compared to previous years. Fourth instars have been recently observed.

Diseases

Reports of disease incidence of downy mildew, powdery mildew, black rot, Botrytis bunch rot, and ripe rot have been minimal. Recommended materials can be found in the New Jersey Commercial Grape Production Guide.

Fruit IPM Report for Week of 6/22/2026

 

Apples
Disease Management Considerations

Apple scab, cedar apple rust, and powdery mildew: Few apple scab lesions have been found in orchards throughout the state. Cedar apple rust has been reported on leaves and fruit at several orchards throughout the state (Figure 1).

Cedar apple rust lesions forming on apple leaves.

Figure 1. Cedar apple rust lesions forming on apple leaves.

Powdery mildew is present in some orchards and needs to be managed through July (Figure 2). If you see apple scab lesions on your cluster leaves, products such as Merivon, Luna Sensation, Prophyt, or Inspire Super can be applied to burn them out. These products also work well on powdery mildew. In periods of hot days with high humidity and no rain, sulfur (e.g., Microthiol Disperss at 10 lb./A) can be applied.

Powdery mildew on apple leaves.

Figure 2. Powdery mildew on apple leaves.

Fire blight: Where shoot blight symptoms are present, it is appropriate to prune out infected shoots. Do not cut out infections during wet weather, as bacteria can spread through water. The recommendation is to cut back to last year’s growth, at least 12” back into healthy tissue, and to sterilize pruners between cuttings.

Bitter rot on developing fruit.

Figure 3. Bitter rot on developing fruit.

 

Rots: Hot, humid weather will increase the risk of fruit rots, including white rot, bitter rot, black rot, sooty blotch & flyspeck. Bitter rot has been observed in southern county orchards (Figure 3).

Broad-spectrum fungicides, such as captan and ziram, are effective, and adding single-site products such as Merivon, Luna Sensation, Pristine, Omega, and Aprovia may improve control. The addition of phosphonate products such as ProPhyt or Rampart to captan sprays can improve control of rots and other summer diseases, including sooty blotch and flyspeck. It may help suppress scab infections when present.

Marssonina Blotch, Glomerella Leaf Spot, and Frogeye Leaf Spot: Maintain coverage of captan, manzate, or ziram before rain events through the growing season according to the cover spray rule of applications every 2” of rain or 14 days, whichever comes first.

Insect Update

Codling Moth (CM): Biofix has been set for southern counties as of April 20 and in northern counties as of May 5. Injury from the first generation has been reported in southern orchards (Figure 4). Second-generation timings are updated below. Consider management if >5 months/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 20 N/A N/A 6/30 7/8 7/2 7/2 7/11
Northern  May 5 N/A N/A 7/3 7/10 7/5 7/5 7/13
Codling moth injury and larva in developing fruit.

Figure 4. Codling moth injury and larva in developing fruit.

 

Scale: Crawler emergence continues and has increased in some orchards. Control options during crawler emergence include Neonicotinoids (suppression only), Sivanto, Esteem, and Centaur. See also the scale discussion under the peach section.

Woolly Apple Aphid (WAA); Green Apple (Spirea) Aphids (GAA): Populations continue to build in some orchards statewide, but on average remain below treatment levels. A treatment threshold is set at 50% of the terminals infested with live colonies. Predation by lady beetles and other predators has been observed and can help to maintain pest populations below damaging thresholds. As the terminals stop growing and harden, aphid populations should decrease. Movento will control WAA and GAA and can suppress scale when crawlers are active.

Potato leafhopper (PLH): Adults and nymphs are present and increasing in apple orchards throughout the state. Feeding damage from PLH results in “hopperburn” symptoms, which include browning & necrosis along leaf margins, along with leaf curling and stunting (Figure 5).

Potato leafhopper injury in new apple shoots.

Figure 5. Potato leafhopper injury in new apple shoots. 

Consider treatment, particularly on young, non-bearing fruit trees. The preferred materials for leafhopper control include Actara, Admire, Assail, Belay, Endigo, and Voliam Flexi.

Ambrosia Beetle: Trap captures continue to increase in some orchards, while other orchards, particularly in the south, have had a decrease in trap captures. Monitor signs of stress or infested trees with “toothpicks” from boring activity and consider trunk sprays if needed.

Dogwood borer: We continue to capture a high number of males in pheromone traps across orchards statewide. Mating disruption is recommended and effective for this pest and should be considered for next season in blocks with a history of infestation. Assail has demonstrated activity when targeting adults to reduce egg laying. See the 2026 Integrated Orchard Management Guide for Commercial Apples in the Southeast.

Traps

Average Trap Captures in Apple – Southern Counties

  Week STLM TABM CM OFM DWB AMBROSIA BEETLE BMSB
5/11/2026 18  11  6 3   25   2
5/18/2026 16 21 3 10   54 13
5/25/2026 1.3 23 2 2   71 7
6/1/2026 378 33 3 2   49 6 0.4
6/8/2026 258 11 2 1   61 21 1.2
6/15/2026 355 4 0.6 1.5   57 13 0.8
6/22/2026 178 5 0.6 2   54 8 1.2

 

Average Trap Captures in Apple – Northern Counties

  Week STLM TABM CM DWB AMBROSIA BEETLE BMSB
5/11/2026 13.7 1.5 1.8 12.8 1.1
5/18/2026 8.3 13.25 2.4 18.5 10.8
5/25/2026 2.2 13.75 1.2 24.5 5.1
6/1/2026 25.1 24.3 3.4 23.8 9.4 0.3
6/8/2026  94 22.3 0.3 24.6  18 1.4
6/15/2026 68 22.3 1 22.6 14 1.1
6/22/2026 105.9 35 0.7 27.2 8.2 0.5

 

Pears
Disease Management

Foliar diseases should be managed with Mancozeb or Ziram, plus a single-site fungicide, to maintain pressure and inoculum at low levels, protecting fruit and maintaining a healthy orchard going into the next season. See the New Jersey Commercial Tree Fruit Production Guide for more information.

Where fire blight is present, it is appropriate to prune out infected shoots. Prune out strikes on dry, cooler days, cut back 8-12” back into healthy tissue, and sterilize pruners between cuts.

Insect Update

Pear psylla: Where psylla adults are still being found, options for control include Actara, Assail, and Belay (IRAC group 4A); Sivanto Prime (IRAC group 4D); Delegate (IRAC Group 5); and products containing abamectin (IRAC group 6). Other options include Movento (IRAC Group 23). The addition of 0.25-1 gal of summer oil may improve control. Avoid applying oil at high temperatures, and do not mix with captan. Be sure to read and follow the label instructions for adding penetrants to products.

Peaches
Disease Management

Bacterial spot: This disease is still present in some orchards and can be found on developing fruit (Figure 6).

Bacterial spot on developing peach fruit.

Figure 6. Bacterial spot on developing peach fruit.

Peach scab: Maintain good coverage with captan or other effective fungicides until July in orchards where scab was previously an issue.

Brown Rot: Most growers should rely on a captan-based program for mid-season covers, followed by better materials during the last 3 weeks pre-harvest when fruit is present. See the NJ Commercial Tree Fruit Production Guide for more information.

Insect Update

Oriental Fruit Moth (OFM): A biofix point for OFM was set on 4/7 for southern counties and 4/15 in northern counties. Treatment timings targeting the second generation are shown in the table below.

OFM 2nd Generation Timing
Insecticide Type
County/Region Degree Days by 6/29 base 45 Conventional

1150-1200

1450-1500

Intrepid/Rimon

1050-1150

1300-1400

Diamides/Virus

1075-1150

1375-1450

Gloucester – Southern 1258 1st –past

2nd – past

1st –past

2nd – past

1st –past

2nd – past

Middlesex – Northern 1363 1st – past

2nd – 7/2-7/3

1st – past

2nd – 6/27-7/1

1st – past

2nd – 6/29-7/2

Japanese Beetles: Japanese beetles have been observed feeding in orchards. Products containing imidacloprid (Admire Pro, Leverage 360) are effective and have a short preharvest interval.

Scale: Crawler emergence is active in orchards across the state. If crawlers are present, treatment options include Movento, Esteem, Centaur, Sivanto, and neonicotinoids (for suppression only). Movento, Esteem, and Centaur should be applied at the start of crawler emergence.

Thrips: We continue to observe moderate thrips activity in orchards throughout the state. Delegate or Entrust at the highest labeled rate are the usual recommended materials for thrips present in stone fruit. Lannate also has activity on thrips. These materials all have short PHI’s and may be applied close to harvest where injury is observed.

Tarnished plant bugs and other catfacing insects: Insects are active, but new fruit feeding injury has been minimal.

Lesser and Greater Peach Tree Borers: We continue to trap high numbers of both species. If this has been a historical pest in your orchard, mating disruption is recommended. Continue monitoring and managing as usual in problem blocks with mating disruption or trunk sprays.

Traps

Average Trap Captures in Peach – Southern Counties

  Week OFM TABM LPTB PTB BMSB
5/11/2026 5 10
5/18/2026 4 20
5/25/2026 2 20 31 1
6/1/2026 4 46 28 3 0
6/8/2026 8 13 25 3 0.75
6/15/2026 5 6 13 3 0.75
6/22/2026 6 4 23 7 1

 

Average Trap Captures in Peach – Northern Counties

  Week OFM LPTB PTB
5/11/2026 4.4 24 0
5/18/2026 2.4 16.5 0.2
5/25/2026 0.7 8.75 0.1
6/1/2026 1.8 11 0.5
6/8/2026  0.6  8.5  0.05
6/15/2026 3.5 9.7 1.2
6/22/2026 3.4 7.4 1.6

 

Blueberries
Insect Update

Scouting was conducted last week across 180 commercial and organic blueberry fields in Burlington and Atlantic Counties. Field evaluations focused primarily on inspecting fruit for insect injury and assessing aphid infestations on new vegetative terminals. Aphid populations increased compared with the previous week, although average colony sizes remain low, with approximately 1–5 aphids per infested shoot (Table 1).

Table 1: Aphid Infestation on New Terminals

Aphids % Terminal Infestation
Avg High
5/23 1.5 A 14
5/29 2.83 A 38
6/6 2.189 A 30
6/12 1.9 A 26
6/20 2.9 A 54
6/27 3.07 A 56
Aphid Colony Size: A: 1-5, B: 6-10, C: 11-15, D: >16

 

Trap Monitoring

Although spotted-wing drosophila trap captures remain low compared to previous years, SWD remains the primary target for insecticide applications at this time (Table 2). For management recommendations for SWD in blueberry and other berry crops, reference Rutgers Cooperative Extension Factsheet FS1246 and SWD Insecticides for Berries.

Table 2. Spotted-Wing Drosophila and Blueberry Maggot Traps

Spotted-Wing Drosophila Blueberry Maggot
Atlantic County Burlington County Atlantic County Burlington County
Avg High Avg High Avg High Avg High
6/6 8.99 35 2.86 7 0.03 1 0 0
6/12 9.9 46 3.7 25 0 0 0 0
6/20 10.24 48 8.22 35 0 0 0 0
6/27 6.96 78 3.6 18 0 0 0 0

Table 3. Sharp-nosed Leafhopper and Oriental Beetle Traps

Sharp-nosed Leafhopper Oriental Beetle
Atlantic County Burlington County Atlantic County Burlington County
Avg High Avg High Avg High Avg High
6/6 1.42 16 1.25 7 5.78 35 2.57 14
6/12 0.56 12 4.8 46 62 340 47 170
6/20 0.88 6 1.44 12 411 2025 403 2025
6/27 0.77 9 0.37 2 243 2025 458 2025

 

Scale: We continue to monitor scale crawler activity for both terrapin scale and Putnam scale. We observed a decline in crawler activity (Table 4) and scale infestations on fruit (Table 5).

Table 4. Scale Traps

Putnam Terrapin
Avg High Avg High
5/23 36.85 230 1.8 8
5/29 65.17 352 21.2 41
6/6 136.25 402 75.25 84
6/12 164 639 96 202
6/20 102 288 85 167
6/27 45 193 32 119

Table 5. Scale infestation on fruit

Scale % infestation on fruit
Avg High
6/12 0.13 2.1
6/20 0.19 5.7
6/27 0.06 1.5
Diseases

The IPM team has observed anthracnose on ‘Duke’ blueberries, as well as mummy berry and Alternaria fruit rot. Alternaria incidence can increase due to injuries from mechanical harvesting, which create entry points for infection.

% Mummy Berry Infested Fruit % Anthracnose Infested Fruit % Alternaria Infested Fruit
Avg High Avg High Avg High
6/20 0.03 0.9 0.06 2.5 0.004 0.7
6/27 0.007 0.3 0.08 2.2 0.07 3

For blueberry production and management recommendations, please reference the recently revised 2026 Commercial Blueberry Pest Control Recommendations for New Jersey.

Grapes
Insects

We continue to capture Grape berry moth in pheromone traps, which have slightly increased in number, indicating adults are actively in flight. Applications for GBM using Intrepid or Diamides should be made at 810 DD base 47°F from wild grape or native grape varieties (Concords were at trace bloom on 5/19 in southern counties). Other effective materials can be applied a few days later. We are past the projected treatment window as predicted by the NEWA Grape Berry Moth model; however, you can monitor bunches to determine if further treatment is needed. Check especially on edge rows near the woods. If 5% of clusters show damage, then treatment is justified.

Japanese beetle pressure is increasing in vineyards throughout the state. Vines with well-developed canopies can withstand some Japanese beetle pressure, but where vines are stressed and vigor is reduced, see the NJ Commercial Grape Production Guide for more information on insecticides effective against this pest.

Dangerous Heat: Actions to Stay Safe

Dangerous heat will impact NJ and the region this week, with maximum air temperatures Wednesday to Saturday forecasted to reach the mid-90s to 105 degrees. The heat index, which factors in relative humidity, is expected to soar as high as 110 degrees. As a result, an Extreme Heat Warning has been issued for the majority of NJ (Wednesday to Saturday) with an Extreme Heat Watch being issued for the counties of Atlantic, Cape May, and Cumberland (Thursday to Saturday).

Precautions must be taken to prevent heat-related illnesses among the agricultural workforce:

  1. National Weather Service graphic on extreme heat watches and warnings for the region. Adjust work schedules and discontinue outdoor work during the hottest parts of the day.
    1. You can utilize the OSHA/NIOSH Heat Safety Tool (phone app) for site-specific heat indices to aid planning.
    2. Remember: heat index is measured in the shade and does not factor in the effect of work in direct sunlight.
  2. Reduce workload intensity by increasing the number of workers per task, rotating jobs, and increasing the frequency of breaks.
  3. Train everyone on the farm to recognize and respond to signs of heat-related illness in themselves and others.
    1. Reinforce training with signage such as this informative ‘Prevent Heat Illness at Work’ poster from OSHA which is available in English, as well as Spanish.
  4. Keep hydrated! Cool water should always be available to everyone. Drink water constantly including before, during, and after work and encourage others to do the same. Sports drinks are generally not necessary when you drink ample water and eat regular meals.
  5. Select light-colored, breathable clothing and a wide-brimmed hat. Your clothing must allow for rapid evaporation of sweat – the body’s mechanism for cooling.

Take extreme caution over the next several days to safeguard yourself and others from heat-related illnesses. For more resources on preventing heat-related illness among the agricultural workforce, visit our Heat Stress and Agriculture website. 

 

Post-Pollination Cranberry Insect Pest Control: July 2026 Update

Dr. Cesar Rodriguez-Saona, Extension Specialist in Blueberry Entomology, Rutgers University

Dr. Yahel Ben-Zvi, Post-doctoral Researcher, Rutgers University

If needed, post-pollination sprays—particularly for Sparganothis fruitworm (Picture 1) and spotted fireworm (Picture 2)—should be applied as soon as bees are removed. Sparganothis fruitworm is monitored using pheromone traps to assess adult flight activity and abundance. If trap counts are high and no insecticide has yet been applied, treatment should be considered promptly to prevent berry damage.

Sparganothis fruitworm

Picture 1. Adult Sparganothis fruitworm

Where pheromone trap catches are high, management should begin soon after bee removal. The optimal timing for the first post-pollination spray is approximately two weeks after peak moth catch, which typically coincides with the 1st-2nd week in July.

Spotted fireworm

Spotted fireworm is one of the most important pests in New Jersey cranberry production. Male moth catches typically peak during the second to third week of June. While trap catches provide an indication of population levels, they do not always correlate well with egg mass abundance. This pest is particularly problematic in weedy beds, where females preferentially lay eggs on weeds, such as brier, red maple, redroot, and leatherleaf. For this reason, monitoring for egg masses on weeds is essential. Maintaining clean, weed-free beds is an important component of management. Egg masses are typically hatching at this time of year, and larvae from this generation will feed on both foliage and fruit.

Control options

Picture 2. Adult spotted fireworm

 

Insect growth regulators (IGRs), such as Intrepid, are effective against Sparganothis fruitworm and spotted fireworm. If IGRs have been used intensively (e.g., in pre-bloom or bloom applications over the past one to two seasons), rotation to alternative chemistries is recommended. Options include Altacor, Delegate, Exirel, or broad-spectrum insecticides such as Diazinon. Broad-spectrum materials may also be preferred where blunt-nosed leafhopper populations are high, since Intrepid, Delegate, and Altacor do not provide control of this pest.

Root-feeding insects and imidacloprid use

If cranberry beds show signs of damage from root-feeding insects, treatment with imidacloprid (e.g., Admire Pro and generics) should be considered immediately after bee removal (mid-July). Dead patches of vines are often indicative of root-feeding injury (Picture 3). Affected areas should be inspected by pulling dead vines and examining the root zone and surrounding soil for grubs.

 

Imidacloprid is labeled for control of rootworm (Picture 4), root grubs (Phyllophaga spp.), and other scarab beetles in cranberries. It acts as a contact and stomach poison affecting the insect nervous system and is highly systemic. Because it is highly toxic to honey bees, it must only be used post-pollination.

Picture 4. Larvae of cranberry rootworm

Since most scarab grubs in cranberries have multi-year life cycles, a single application may not fully suppress populations. In many cases, two to three consecutive years

Picture 3. Injury by root-feeding insects

of treatment are required for effective long-term control. Identifying the specific grub species present is therefore important prior to treatment.

 

 

Fruit IPM Report for Week of 6/8/2026

 

Apples
Disease Management Considerations

Apple scab, cedar apple rust, and powdery mildew: Few apple scab lesions have been found in orchards throughout the state. Mildew infections have also been observed on leaves in several orchards with a history of the disease. This past week, cedar apple rust symptoms were also reported at several orchards throughout the state (Figure 1). If you see apple scab lesions on your cluster leaves, products such as Merivon, Luna Sensation, ProPhyt, or Inspire Super can be applied to burn them out. These products also work well on powdery mildew. In periods of hot days with high humidity and no rain, sulfur (e.g., Microthiol Disperss at 10 lb./A) can be applied. Do not tank mix captan and sulfur. Powdery mildew needs to be managed through July.

Cedar apple rust lesions forming on apple leaves.

Figure 1. Cedar apple rust lesions forming on apple leaves.

Fire blight: Shoot blight symptoms increased over the past week. When blight is present, it is appropriate to prune out infected shoots. Do not cut out infections during wet weather, as bacteria can spread through water. The recommendation is to cut back to last year’s growth, at least 12” back into healthy tissue, and to sterilize pruners between cuttings.

Rots: Hot, humid weather like we experienced last week will increase the risk of fruit rots, including white rot, bitter rot, black rot, sooty blotch, and flyspeck. White rot was observed in South Jersey apple orchards this week, underscoring the importance of maintaining protective fungicide coverage during periods conducive to disease development. Broad-spectrum fungicides, such as captan and ziram, are effective, and adding single-site products, including Merivon, Luna Sensation, Pristine, Omega, and Aprovia, may improve control. The addition of phosphorous acid products such as ProPhyt or Rampart to captan sprays can improve control of rots and other summer diseases, such as sooty blotch and flyspeck, and may help suppress scab infections when present.

Marssonina Blotch, Glomerella Leaf Spot, and Frogeye Leaf Spot: In orchards with reduced spray programs, we continue to see increases in frogeye leaf spot. These diseases should be managed, as they will cause defoliation and provide a source of inoculum for black rot and bitter rot next season. Maintain coverage of captan, manzate, or ziram before rain events through the growing season according to the cover spray rule of applications every 2” of rain or 14 days, whichever comes first.

Insect Update

Codling Moth (CM): Biofix has been set for southern counties as of April 20 and in northern counties as of May 5. Although we are past the model timings for CM, some orchards with a history of injury continue to experience trap captures above the threshold (5 moths per trap); further treatment may be needed.

Frass, or chewed wood looks like "toothpicks" being pushed out from trunk where ambrosia beetle is boring into the tree.

Figure 2. Frass, or chewed wood, looks like “toothpicks” being pushed out from the trunk where the ambrosia beetle is boring into the tree.

Tufted Apple Bud Moth (TABM): Trap counts have decreased from the previous week. This has been a minor pest in recent years, and many materials used for codling moth will also control TABM, including Lannate, Delegate, diamides, and Intrepid. The timing for management of the first generation has ended.

Scale: Crawler emergence was reported at the end of May and will continue for the next 6 weeks. Control options during crawler emergence include Neonicotinoids (suppression only), Sivanto, Esteem, and Centaur. See also the scale discussion under the peach section.

Woolly Apple Aphid (WAA); Green Apple (Spirea) Aphids (GAA): Populations continue to build in some orchards statewide, but on average remain below treatment levels. A treatment threshold is set at 50% of the terminals infested with live colonies. Predation by lady beetles and other predators has been observed and can help maintain pest populations below damaging thresholds. As the terminals stop growing and harden, aphid populations should decrease. Movento will control WAA and GAA and can suppress scale when crawlers are active.

Ambrosia Beetle: Trap captures have started to increase. Monitor signs of stress or infested trees with “toothpicks” from boring activity (Figure 2).

Dogwood borer: We continue to capture a high number of males in pheromone traps across orchards statewide. Mating disruption is recommended and effective for this pest and should be considered for next season in blocks with a history of infestation. Assail has demonstrated activity when targeting adults to reduce egg laying. See the 2026 Integrated Orchard Management Guide for Commercial Apples in the Southeast.

Traps

Average Trap Captures in Apple – Southern Counties

Week STLM TABM CM OFM DWB AMBROSIA BEETLE BMSB
5/11/2026 18 11 6 3 25 2
5/18/2026 16 21 3 10 54 13
5/25/2026 1.3 23 2 2 71 7
6/1/2026 378 33 3 2 49 6 0.4
6/8/2026 258 11 2 1 61 21 1.2

 

Average Trap Captures in Apple – Northern Counties

Week STLM TABM CM DWB AMBROSIA BEETLE BMSB
5/11/2026 13.7 1.5 1.8 12.8 1.1
5/18/2026 8.3 13.25 2.4 18.5 10.8
5/25/2026 2.2 13.75 1.2 24.5 5.1
6/1/2026 25.1 24.3 3.4 23.8 9.4 0.3
6/8/2026 94 22.3 0.3 24.6 18 1.4

Pears
Disease Management

Foliar diseases should be managed with Mancozeb or Ziram, plus a single-site fungicide, to maintain pressure and inoculum at low levels, protecting fruit and maintaining a healthy orchard going into the next season. See the New Jersey Commercial Tree Fruit Production Guide for more information.  

The number of pear trees showing symptoms of shoot blight has increased. When blight is present, it is appropriate to prune out infected shoots. Prune out strikes on dry, cooler days, cut back 8-12” back into healthy tissue, and sterilize pruners between cuts.  

Insect Update

Pear psylla: Psylla adults are still actively layingeggs, and nymphs continue to hatch.Options for control include Actara, Assail, and Belay (IRAC group 4A); Sivanto Prime (IRAC group 4D); Delegate (IRAC Group 5); and products containing abamectin (IRAC group 6). Other options include Movento (IRAC Group 23). The addition of 0.25-1 gal of summer oil may improve control. Be sure to read and follow the label instructions for adding penetrants to these products.  

Peaches
Disease Management

Bacterial spot: Growers should continue to manage symptoms with oxytetracycline and lower copper rates, particularly during rainy periods and severe weather. Avoid combining copper with captan, especially following extended cloudy or slow-drying conditions.  

Peach scab: Maintain good coverage with captan or other effective fungicides until July in orchards where scab was previously an issue.  

Insect Update

Oriental Fruit Moth (OFM): A biofix point for OFM was set on 4/7 for southern counties and 4/15 in northern counties. Treatment timings targeting the second generation are shown in the table below.  

OFM 2nd Generation Timing      
        Insecticide Type      
County/Region   Degree Days by 6/16 base 45   Conventional  

1150-1200  

1450-1500  

Intrepid/Rimon  

1050-1150  

1300-1400  

Diamides/Virus  

1075-1150  

1375-1450  

Gloucester – Southern   1258   1st –past  

2nd – 6/23-6/25  

1st –past  

2nd – 6/18-6/21  

1st –past  

2nd – 6/20-6/23  

Middlesex – Northern   1154   1st – 6/16-6/18  

2nd – 6/27-6/29  

1st – 6/12-6/16  

2nd – 6/22-6/25  

1st – 6/13-6/16  

2nd – 6/24-6/27  

  

Scale: Crawler emergence is active in orchards across the state (Figure 3). If you had known high populations of scale last year, it is important to note if crawlers are present, even if you treated with oil in the early spring. If crawlers are present, then treatment options include Movento, Esteem, Centaur, Sivanto, and neonicotinoids (suppression only). Movento, Esteem, and Centaur should be applied at the start of crawler emergence.  

San Jose scale crawlers on peach branch. Photo by Dave Schmitt.

Figure 3. San Jose scale crawlers on a peach branch. Photo by Dave Schmitt.

Green Peach Aphid: We continue to observe reduced aphid populations across farm sites. If more than 1 colony of aphids per tree is found in nectarines, or 2-3 colonies are found in peaches, an insecticide for aphids is needed. Management options include Assail, Actara, Admire Pro, or Sivanto.  

Thrips: Thrips continue to be present in peach blocks. Delegate or Entrust at the highest labeled rate are the usual recommended materials for thrips in stone fruit. Lannate also has activity on thrips. These materials all have short PHI’s and may be applied close to harvest when damage typically appears.   

Plum Curculio: We continue to report on recent injuries to developing peaches and apples across the state. If recent injury is observed, management options include Avaunt and neonicotinoids (Actara, Belay).  

Tarnished plant bugs and other catfacing insects: Recent fruit feeding injury remains low.   

Lesser and Greater Peachtree Borers: We continue to trap high numbers of both lesser and greater peachtree borers. If this has been a historical pest in your orchard, mating disruption is recommended. Continue monitoring and managing as usual in problem blocks with mating disruption or trunk sprays.

Traps

Average Trap Captures in Peach – Southern Counties  

  Week   OFM   TABM   LPTB   PTB   BMSB  
5/11/2026     10   –   –   –  
5/18/2026     20   –   –   –  
5/25/2026     20   31     –  
6/1/2026     46   28      
6/8/2026     13   25     0.75  

 

Average Trap Captures in Peach – Northern Counties  

  Week   OFM   LPTB   PTB  
5/11/2026   4.4   24    
5/18/2026   2.4   16.5   0.2  
5/25/2026   0.7   8.75   0.1  
6/1/2026   1.8   11   0.5  
6/8/2026    0.6   8.5   0.05 

Blueberries
Insect Update

Scouting was conducted last week across 177 commercial and organic blueberry fields in Burlington and Atlantic Counties. Field evaluations focused primarily on fruit inspections for pest injury and assessments of aphid infestations on newly developing terminals.  

Leafroller and Plum Curculio: Monitoring of developing fruit indicated a decline in feeding and/or oviposition injury caused by leafrollers and plum curculio (Table 1).  

Table 1. Fruit Monitoring Data  

   % Leafroller Berry Infestation   % Plum Curculio Berry Infestation  
   Avg   High   Avg   High  
5/9   0.125     0.235   2.6  
5/16   0.22   1.5   0.67   6.5  
5/23   0.04   0.9   0.125   5.8  
5/29   0.03   0.8   0.01   0.6  
6/6   0.006   0.2   0.003   0.3  
6/12   0.002   0.2      

 

Aphids: Aphid populations declined slightly compared with the previous week, with average colony sizes remaining low at approximately 1–5 aphids per shoot (Table 2). 

Table 2: Aphid Infestation on New Terminals  

   Aphids % Terminal Infestation  
   Avg   High  
5/23   1.5 A   14  
5/29   2.83 A   38  
6/6   2.189 A   30  
6/12   1.9 A   26  
Aphid Colony Size: A: 1-5, B: 6-10, C: 11-15, D: >16  

 

Trap Monitoring: Spotted-wing drosophila (Table 3), sharp-nosed leafhoppers (Table 4), and oriental beetle (Table 4) trap captures increased this week. At this time, spotted-wing drosophila is the primary target pest for insecticide applications.  

Table 3. Spotted-Wing Drosophila and Blueberry Maggot Traps  

   Spotted-Wing Drosophila   Blueberry Maggot  
   Atlantic County   Burlington County   Atlantic County   Burlington County  
   Avg   High   Avg   High   Avg   High   Avg   High  
6/6   8.99   35   2.86     0.03        
6/12   9.9   46   3.7   25          

Table 4. Sharp-nosed Leafhopper and Oriental Beetle Traps

Sharp-nosed Leafhopper   Oriental Beetle  
   Atlantic County   Burlington County   Atlantic County   Burlington County  
   Avg   High   Avg   High   Avg   High   Avg   High  
6/6   1.42   16   1.25     5.78   35   2.57   14  
6/12   0.56   12   4.8   46   62   340   47   170  

 

Cranberry fruitworm and Cherry fruitworm: Trap captures indicate that activity has decreased (Table 5). 

Table 5. Cranberry/Cherry Fruitworm Traps

   Cranberry  Fruitworm (AC)   Cherry Fruitworm (AC)    Cranberry Fruitworm (BC)   Cherry Fruitworm (BC)  
   Avg   High   Avg   High   Avg   High   Avg   High  
5/1       2.5         3.5    
5/9       4.4         6.25   10  
5/16       7.7   11         15  
5/23   0.14     5.14   15   0.25     16   29  
5/29   0.14             1.5    
6/6   3.57   20   1.43         0.75    
6/12       3.4     1.25     0.2    
AC: Atlantic County, BC: Burlington County  

 

Scale: Crawler activity of both terrapin scale and Putnam scale continues to increase (Table 6). Growers who observed scale infestations last season should begin considering management options at this time. During last week’s scouting, scale-infested fruit were detected in some fields (Table 7).  

Table 6. Scale Traps  

   Putnam   Terrapin  
   Avg   High   Avg   High  
5/23   36.85   230   1.8    
5/29   65.17   352   21.2   41  
6/6   136.25   402   75.25   84  
6/12   164   639   96   202  
Table 7. Scale Infestation on Fruit  
   Scale % infestation on fruit  
   Avg   High  
6/12   0.13   2.1  

As harvest approaches, SWD remains the primary target for insect management. When selecting insecticides, special consideration should be given to products with shorter pre-harvest intervals (PHIs) that provide effective control of these pests while also helping suppress scale crawler populations and other pest populations above threshold levels. See the Blueberry Bulletin or Commercial Blueberry Pest Control Recommendations for New Jersey for recommendations.

Diseases

The IPM scouting team has observed anthracnose symptoms in some ‘Duke’ fields. Growers should continue to monitor susceptible varieties and consult the Rutgers Commercial Blueberry Pest Control Recommendations for New Jersey for current fungicide recommendations and management options.  

Grapes
Insects

Grape Berry Moth (GBM): Adult GBM captures in pheromone traps have slightly increased, indicating the start of the second-generation flight. Applications targeting GBM with Intrepid or diamide insecticides should be made at 810 DD (base 47°F) from wild grape bloom or native grape varieties (Concords were at trace bloom on May 19 in southern counties). Other effective materials can be applied a few days later.

As of June 16, Gloucester County has accumulated 637 DD (base 47°F), placing the projected treatment window between June 22–26. The NEWA Grape Berry Moth Model works best when growers enter their own bloom dates. Since bloom has been highly variable this season, growers may also use January 1st as a biofix. Using a January 1st biofix, second-generation treatments should be timed at 1200–1400 DD (base 47°F). Refer to the Commercial Grape Pest Control Recommendations for New Jersey for specific management options.

Note: Adult GBM captures have remained low, and delayed fruit development has been observed across the state. To determine whether treatment is warranted, monitor clusters several days before the anticipated spray timing, particularly on vineyard edges adjacent to wooded areas. Treatment is justified when 5% of clusters show injury.

Diseases
Corolla tissue still attached to developing grapes.


Figure 4. Corolla tissue is still attached to developing grapes.

Bloom is the critical period for protecting clusters from downy mildew, powdery mildew, black rot, Botrytis bunch rot, and ripe rot. Additional information on bloom-time fungicide programs is available in this Virginia Tech blog post by Dr. Mizuho Nita.

During bloom, we have observed corolla tissue remaining attached to developing fruit (Figure 4).

Cool, damp conditions favor Botrytis development, and infections can establish on retained corolla tissue. Therefore, maintaining fungicide coverage for Botrytis as fruit develops will be important. Recommended materials can be found in the New Jersey Commercial Grape Production Guide.

 

NJ Freeze Disaster Designation and Emergency Loan Info (NJ Freeze Disaster Declaration Approved)

The requested disaster declaration regarding Freeze from April 19, 2026, through April 22, 2026, has been approved by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke Rollins on June 8th, 2026. All 21 counties in New Jersey, seventeen (17) primary and four (4) contiguous, are covered by this designation.

A Secretarial Disaster Designation makes farm operators in primary and contiguous counties eligible to be considered for FSA emergency loans and disaster set aside, provided eligibility requirements are met. Farmers in all counties have until February 8, 2027, to apply for emergency loan assistance. The Emergency Loan Fact Sheet provides further information on how producers may apply for this assistance with local FSA Offices.