Occurrence of root-feeding insects will manifest by the presence of dead patches. Pull dead vines and search through the root zone and soil for grubs and worms.

If your beds have damage caused by root-feeding insects, you should consider treatment with Imidacloprid (e.g. Admire Pro, Alias 4F, Alias 2F) immediately after bees are removed. Admire Pro (imidacloprid) is labeled for the control of cranberry rootworm, white grubs (Phyllophagaspp.), and other scarabs in cranberries.

Damaged, Dead Patches in Cranberry

Phyllophaga Grubs

Bloom has started. If insects have been effectively managed prior to bloom, we recommend no sprays at this time. A reminder: when bees are present your only choices of insecticides are the Insect Growth Regulators –IGR- (e.g. Confirm and Intrepid) or Bt products (e.g. DiPel).

From now until August, we recommend monitoring insect populations using pheromone traps. [Read more…]

In 2012 we started a study to compare the efficacy of different trap designs (delta versus wing traps) and colors (white versus red) on Sparganothis fruitworm (SPARG) adult captures. We found that red delta traps (Trécé Pherocon VI) are more effective than white delta traps. White delta traps also catch greater number of honey bees, and it is possible that this saturates the sticky traps. We are continuing this work and testing this hypothesis in 2013. Results from these studies will be presented at future grower meetings.

Experiment set-up to test effect of
trap design and color on
Sparganothis fruitworm captures.

Data show red delta traps to be more effective than white delta traps in catching adult Sparanothis fruitworm.