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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June 16, 2024 and

Beat the Heat: Water and Sports Drinks for Hydration

Article By: The Rutgers Farm Health and Safety Working Group: Kate Brown, Michelle Infante-Casella, Stephen Komar and William Bamka

When it comes to hydration, the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recommends an adequate daily fluid intake of about 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluids a day for men and about 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of fluids a day for women. Even with this guidance, the amount varies from person to person. Also, when temperatures are hotter and when workloads increase so should drinking water, to prevent dehydration and to help maintain the proper body temperature especially when sweating.

Regular intake of water throughout the day and during the evening, at recommended amounts may help prevent a person from becoming excessively thirsty and also prevent dehydration. The choice of drinking sports drinks that contain electrolytes may be considered when a person’s activities dramatically increase, when they excessively sweat, if they show signs of dehydration, and/or heat stress.

Most sports drinks are designed to replenish glucose, fluids, and electrolytes (sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium) lost during strenuous exercise or heavy workloads. Sports drinks may contain carbohydrates in the form of sugar, usually glucose, high-fructose corn syrup, or sucrose. Some contain no sugar and are “sweetened” instead with low-calorie sweeteners. The amounts of sugar and electrolytes in sports drinks are intended to allow for quick hydration and absorption.

It is important to note, persons with diabetes should be mindful of not intaking amounts of sports drinks that are high in sugar that could raise blood sugar to unhealthy levels. Additionally, persons with high blood pressure should be mindful when drinking sports drinks that are high in sodium – most are. Persons who eat a healthy diet should have enough glucose and electrolytes to maintain their health, even during extra activities and with proper water intake. Some studies show drinking too many sports drinks, especially when not performing vigorous exercise, can increase the risk of overweight/obesity and other health issues such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, gout and the risk of dental cavities.

Water is the best choice to stay hydrated and it is the responsibility of each individual person to be sure they drink enough water to maintain their proper health.

Filed Under: Blueberry, Christmas Trees, Commercial Ag Updates, Cranberry, Disease Forecasting, Field, Forage & Livestock, Food Safety, Fruit, Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Nursery, Organic Production, pesticide credits, Plant Diagnostic Lab, Strawberry, Tree Fruit, Turf, Uncategorized, vegetable, Vegetable Crops, Wine Grape Tagged With: , , ,
June 12, 2024

Insect Pest Management During Bloom – June 12, 2024

Cranberries have started to bloom, and bees are active in bogs. If insects have been effectively managed prior to bloom, we recommend no sprays at this time. A reminder: when bees are present, your choices of insecticides are insect growth regulators (IGRs) such as Intrepid 2F or Bt products such as DiPel.

During bloom, we recommend monitoring insect populations using pheromone traps. Pheromone traps should be used particularly to monitor the activity of Sparganothis fruitworm and blackheaded fireworm, two key pests in New Jersey.

Degree-Day Model for Sparganothis Fruitworm

Sparganothis fruitworm adults

Together with Dr. James Shope, Assistant Extension Specialist in the Department of Environmental Sciences at Rutgers University, we have been working on refining a degree-day model for Sparganothis fruitworm using trapping data from New Jersey. According to this model, 25% flight activity should occur at 840 degree-days, and peak flight activity at 952 degree-days (starting on April 15). As of today, Sparganothis fruitworm has accumulated 724 degree-days, indicating that flight should have started but has not yet reached 25%. Note that this model includes data from many bogs and varieties, which may behave differently from the overall model. Therefore, it is advised to monitor closely as the expected peak flight approaches.

Filed Under: Cranberry, Fruit
June 11, 2024 and

Tree Fruit IPM Report June 12, 2024

Peach:

Bacterial Spot: Fruit symptoms have begun to appear in southern counties. So far fruit symptoms are very low and only in highly susceptible varieties. Peaches are at or past pit hardening and fruit now has some resistance to bacterial spot. Infections can still occur but will be less unsightly and may still make grade. Growers should continue to manage using Oxytetracyclene and lower rates of copper, especially around rainy periods and severe weather.

Oriental Fruit Moth: A biofix point for OFM was set on 4/10 in both northern and southern counties.  All Treatments for the first generation have past.

OFM 2nd Generation Timing
Insecticide Type
County/Region Degree Days by  6/11base 45 Conventional

1150-1200

1450-1500

 Intrepid/Rimon

1050-1150

1300-1400

 Diamides/Virus

1075-1150

1375-1450
Gloucester – Southern 1163 1st –June 11-13

2nd – June 20-23

 1st –June 7-10

2nd – June 16-19

 1st –June 8-10

2nd – June18-21
Middlesex – Northern 1033 1st – June 15-17

2nd – too far off

 1st – June 12-16

2nd – too far off

 1st – June 13-16

2nd – too far off

Tarnished Plant Bugs; and Other Catfacing Insects: Catfacing insects are active, and activity is increasing with dry weather and summer temperatures. Very little recent fruit feeding has been observed.

Scale Insects: White peach scale crawlers began emergence around mid-May in southern counties and San jose scale crawlers began emergence around May 25 and will continue emergence for up to 6 weeks. Control options during crawler emergence include Neonicitiniods (suppression only), Sivanto, and the IGR’s Esteem and Centaur. Refer to the NJ Commercial Tree Fruit Production Guide for more information.

Thrips: If the current dry spell continues Flower Thrips may become an issue in highly colored ripening fruit, especially in poorly managed ground covers that contain clover or other flowering weeds. Thrips damage appears as “silvering” and usually appears on fruit close to harvest. If populations are high damage can be extensive. Presence of thrips may be scouted for using a beating tray to detect the presence of adults and nymphs in the tree. Flowering weeeds and shrubs on orchard edges may also be scouted by shaking flowers onto a beating tray or a sheet of paper. Delegate or Entrust at the highest labeled rate are the usual recommended materials for thrips in stone fruit. Lannate may be effective in some orchards but has not worked well in recent years. These materials all have short PHI’s and may be applied close to harvest when damage typically appears. Thrips have also been observed to mark cherries. Damage is different than peach and appears as a dark streak in a similar pattern as silvering. Refer to the NJ Commercial Tree Fruit Production Guide for more information.

 

Apples and Pears:

Diseases: Now that primary scab is nearing the end, or has ended, the focus turns toward summer diseases such as fruit rots (esp. Bitter rot), and sooty blotch and fly speck. Bitter rot control has been difficult at best in recent years even where management programs have been rigorous. Research has suggested Products such as Merivon, Luna Sensation, Inspire Super, and Aprovia may be effective, and longtime reliable broad spectrum fungicides such as omega, captan and ziram should provide control. Experience has suggested that the addition of phosphorous acid products such as Prophyt or Rampart to captan sprays may improve control. Observations are that these products improve control of other summer diseases such as sooty blotch and flyspeck, and may help suppress scab infections where present.

Fire Blight: Fire Blight symptoms began appearing in southern county apple and pear orchards the week of 5/20, and in northern counties the week of 5/13. Typically it is recommended to cut out infected limbs however this is a practical decision that must be made. This blog post from Michigan State may be helpful to decide whether it is worth cutting out infected tissue. Once the terminal buds set, typically in July, infected wood should be removed to prevent colonization by the bitter rot pathogen.

Codling Moth (CM): The first generation codling moth timings have ended. Trap captures Continue and increased in some southern county orchards this week. A biofix was set for CM on April 17th in both northern and southern counties. Second generation timings are updated below. Rimon is not recommended for this and later generations.

Codling Moth Degree Day Timing – Second Generation
Application and Insecticide Type
County Area Biofix 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 22 Too far off Too far off Too far off Too far off Too far off
Northern  May 1 Too far off Too far off Too far off Too far off Too far off

Ambrosia Beetle : Infested trees are showing signs of stress. If you have had a history of this pest in your orchard, now is a good time remove and burn any trees that have been attacked as the flight appears to be declining or is over.

Wooly Apple Aphid (WAA); Green Apple (Spirea) Aphids (GAA): GAA colonies are beginning to appear in some apple blocks. GAA is generally a pest that can be tolerated since they do little direct damage. Treatment thresholds for GAA are if 50% of the shoots are infested with no beneficial insects present. WAA aerial colonies are present in orchards statewide. We have observed high degrees of parasitism in many orchards and therefore no controls have been needed. Refer to the NJ Commercial Tree Fruit Production Guide for more information.

Potato Leafhoppers (PLH): PLH adults may be still present in apples. PLH should not be tolerated in non-bearing orchards because they can stunt the growth of new shoots. Likewise they should not be tolerated in orchards were fire blight is present because they have been demonstrated to spread the disease. PLH appear as light green smallish leafhoppers and are often found on the new leaves in the growing tips. Neonicitiods are generally recommended for control however there are other broad spectrum materials that are effective. Refer to the NJ Commercial Tree Fruit Production Guide for more information.

Pear Third generation pear psylla began hatching about June 8. Options for control include spynosyn products such as Delegate and Entrust, and the neocitinoids (IRAC group 4A). The addition of 0.25-1 gal of summer oil may improve control. Other options include Movento, the IGR’s Esteem and Centaur, and products containing abamectin. Be sure to read and follow the label instructions regarding the addition of penetrants for abamectin products, and movento. Pear Psylla are still actively laying eggs and nymphs continue to hatch.

Grape: Early blooming native grapes were at trace bloom on 5/24, therefore we have set the the Grape Berry Moth biofix at 5/24 for southern counties. Since V. riparia typically blooms with early natives we used Concord and Ives to set the biofix. The model works best when growers record their own bloom dates and use the Grape Berry Moth model at NEWA. Applications for GBM using Intrepid or Diamides should be made at 810 DD base 47. Other effective materials can be applied a few days later. Applications have been historically made around the end of June in southern counties. As for diseases we are seeing low levels of phomopsis on older leaves in some vineyards.

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

Pest Event or Growth Stage Approximate Date 2024 Observed Date
 Bud Swell (Redhaven/PF-17)  March 23 +/- 15 Days March 13
1/4″ Green Tip Red Delicious March 31 +/- 13 Days March 18
Pink Peach (Redhaven/PF-17) April 4 +/- 15 Days March 18
Tight Cluster Red Delicious April 9 +/- 13 Days March 30
Full Bloom Peach (Redhaven/PF-17) April 9 +/- 14 Days April 5
Pink Apple (Red Delicious) April 14 +/- 12 Days April 9
Full Bloom Apple (Red Delicious) April 22 +/- 11 Days April 20
Petal Fall (Redhaven) April 22 +/- 10 Days April 15
Petal Fall (Red Delicious) April 27 +/- 13 Days  May 3
Shuck Split (Redhaven) April 30 +/- 11 Days  April 22
Pit Hardening June 15 +/- 9 Days  June 10

 

 

Tree Fruit Trap Captures – Southern Counties

STLM TABM-A CM BMSB OFM-A DWB OFM-P TABM-P LPTB PTB
3/23/2024 70 0
3/30/2024 29 0 0
4/6/2024 421 0 0
4/13/2024 415 7 1
4/20/2024 900 7 0
4/27/2024 312 2 22  1
5/4/2024 137 2 8 27 1 5
5/11/2024 6 2 15 2 1 10 42
5/18/2024 5 6 11 2 6 0 12 41
5/25/2014 33 29 7 4 25 0 44 37
6/1/2024 719 12 12 1 1 0 44 57
6/8/2024 163 7 6 0 27 0 35 52 3

Tree Fruit Trap Captures – Northern Counties

STLM TABM-A CM BMSB OFM-A DWB OFM-P TABM-P LPTB PTB AMBROSIA BEETLE
3/23/2024
3/30/2024
4/6/2024 0 0
4/13/2024 3.25 37.6
4/20/2024 11.75 93
4/27/2024 0 19 50
5/4/2024 1 16 19 124
5/11/2024 3 4 18 112
5/18/2024 4 2 1 2 2 2 83
5/25/2024 7 5 0 16 8 23 55
6/1/2024 16 7 0 28 7 21 37
6/8/2024 17 4 0 23 3 16 2 12
Filed Under: Tree Fruit, Wine Grape
June 5, 2024 and

Tree Fruit IPM Report June 6, 2024

Peach:

Bacterial Spot: Copper formulations should be used starting at petal fall to suppress bacterial spot. Generally we recommend starting at 0.5 ozs metallic copper and gradually lowering the rate as the season progresses. The rate applied will depend on the formulation. Dr. Lalancette published a chart listing common copper formulations and rates for peach and nectarine applications. Avoid combining copper with captan especially if it has been overcast for several days. Also avoid acidic spray solutions when applying copper. Dr. Lalancette has published a handy guide for copper applications in early covers. Antibiotics containing oxytetracycline may also be used and may offer slightly more residual activity during long wetting periods. We have not seen any bacterial spot symptoms as of this writing except for one location in a northern county. We are nearing pit hardening which usually occurs mid-June. Once fruit gets to this stage it develops some resistance to bacterial spot. Infections may still occur but will be less severe.

Oriental Fruit Moth: A biofix point for OFM was set on 4/10 in both northern and southern counties.  All Treatments for the first generation have past.

OFM 2nd Generation Timing
Insecticide Type
County/Region Degree Days by  6/4 base 45 Conventional

1150-1200

1450-1500

 Intrepid/Rimon

1050-1150

1300-1400

 Diamides/Virus

1075-1150

1375-1450
Gloucester – Southern 978 1st –June 11-15

2nd – too far off

 1st –June 7-10

2nd – too far off

 1st –June 8-10

2nd – too far off
Middlesex – Northern 867 1st – June 16-18

2nd – too far off

 1st – June 12-16

2nd – too far off

 1st – June 13-16

2nd – too far off

Tarnished Plant Bugs; and Other Catfacing Insects: Catfacing insects are active, and activity is increasing with dry weather and summer temperatures. Very little recent fruit feeding has been observed.

Scale Insects: White peach scale crawlers began emergence around mid-May in southern counties and p. San jose scale crawlers began emergence around May 25 and will continue emergence for up to 6 weeks. Control options during crawler emergence include Neonicitiniods (suppression only), and the IGR’s Esteem and Centaur. See the NJ Commercial Tree Fruit Production Guide and the product labels for more information.

Thrips: If the current dry spell continues Flower Thrips may become an issue in highly colored ripening fruit, especially in poorly managed ground covers that contain clover or other flowering weeds. Thrips damage appears as “silvering” and usually appears on fruit close to harvest. If populations are high damage can be extensive. Presence of thrips may be scouted for using a beating tray to detect the presence of adults and nymphs in the tree. Flowering weeeds and shrubs on orchard edges may also be scouted by shaking flowers onto a beating tray or a sheet of paper. Delegate or Entrust at the highest labeled rate are the usual recommended materials for thrips in stone fruit. Lannate may be effective in some orchards but has not worked well in recent years. These materials all have short PHI’s and may be applied close to harvest when damage typically appears. Thrips have also been observed to mark cherries. Damage is different than peach and appears as a dark streak in a similar pattern as silvering. See the NJ Commercial Tree Fruit Production Guide for more information. Thrips have been seen in southern counties during scouting this past week.

 

Apples and Pears:

Diseases: Now that primary scab is nearing the end, or has ended, the focus turns toward summer diseases such as fruit rots (esp. Bitter rot), and sooty blotch and fly speck. Bitter rot control has been difficult at best in recent years even where management programs have been rigorous. Research has suggested Products such as Merivon, Luna Sensation, Inspire Super, and Aprovia may be effective, and longtime reliable broad spectrum fungicides such as omega, captan and ziram should provide control. Experience has suggested that the addition of phosphorous acid products such as Prophyt or Rampart to captan sprays may improve control. Observations are that these products improve control of other summer diseases such as sooty blotch and flyspeck, and may help suppress scab infections where present. Scab symptoms are appearing in some orchards statewide.

Fire Blight: Fire Blight symptoms began appearing in southern county apple and pear orchards the week of 5/20, and in northern counties the week of 5/13. Typically it is recommended to cut out infected limbs however this is a practical decision that must be made. This blog post from Michigan State may be helpful to decide whether it is worth cutting out infected tissue. Once the terminal buds set, typically in July, infected wood should be removed to prevent colonization by the bitter rot pathogen.

Codling Moth: A Codling Moth Biofix was set in southern counties on 4/22 and on May 1 in northern counties. See the NJ Commercial Tree Fruit Production Guide for recommended materials and rates. Where Mating Disruption has been employed, supplemental Madex applications should be made at the timings listed below.

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

75-100DD + 14-17 days later

 

 Intrepid

150 + 450 DD

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

 Madex

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

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

250 DD + 550 DD

 
DD 75 100 150 450 250 250 550
Southern April 22 past past past past past past June 3
Northern  May 1 past past past 6/2 past past June 7

Tufted Apple Budmoth (TABM): A biofix for TABM was set in southern county orchards on 4/30. The first alternate middle applications for TABM will be on or about 5/24 in southern counties. This has been considered a minor pest in recent years. Many materials used for Codling Moth will also control TABM.

Ambrosia Beetle : Infested trees are showing signs of stress. If you have had a history of this pest in your orchard, now is a good time remove and burn any trees that have been attacked as the flight appears to be declining or is over.

Wooly Apple Aphid (WAA); Green Apple (Spirea) Aphids (GAA): GAA colonies are beginning to appear in some apple blocks. GAA is generally a pest that can be tolerated since they do little direct damage. Treatment thresholds for GAA are if 50% of the shoots are infested with no beneficial insects present. WAA aerial colonies are also beginning to form in southern counties. This is about a month earlier than usually observed. In most years these are controlled by beneficials however in some years like 2022, serious outbreaks can occur. The best control for WAA is Movento applied before or when the first colonies appear. Diazinon is also effective at knocking down infestations. Movento will also control GAA and should control san jose scale when applied in mid-May, and suppress scale when applied in late May or early June.  Do not combine diazinon, oil, or oil based penetrants with Captan.

Potato Leafhoppers (PLH): PLH adults began appearing in apples this past week. PLH should not be tolerated in non-bearing orchards because they can stunt the growth of new shoots. Likewise they should not be tolerated in orchards were fire blight is present because they have been demonstrated to spread the disease. PLH appear as light green smallish leafhoppers and are often found on the new leaves in the growing tips. Neonicitiods are generally recommended for control however there are other broad spectrum materials that are effective. Refer to the NJ Commercial Tree Fruit Production Guide for more information.

Pear:  Second generation pear psylla began hatching about 5/15. Options for control include spynosyn products such as Delegate and Entrust, and the neocitinoids (IRAC group 4A). The addition of 0.25-1 gal of summer oil may improve control. Other options include Movento, the IGR’s Esteem and Centaur, and products containing abamectin. Be sure to read and follow the label instructions regarding the addition of penetrants for abamectin products and movento. Pear Psylla are still actively laying eggs and nymphs continue to hatch.

Grape: Early blooming native grapes were at trace bloom on 5/24, therefore we have set the the Grape Berry Moth biofix at 5/24 for southern counties. Since V. riparia typically blooms with early natives we used Concord and Ives to set the biofix. The model works best when growers record their own bloom dates and use the Grape Berry Moth model at NEWA. Applications for GBM using Intrepid or Diamides should be made at 810 DD base 47. Other effective materials can be applied a few days later. Applications have been historically made around the end of June in southern counties.

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

Pest Event or Growth Stage Approximate Date 2024 Observed Date
 Bud Swell (Redhaven/PF-17)  March 23 +/- 15 Days March 13
1/4″ Green Tip Red Delicious March 31 +/- 13 Days March 18
Pink Peach (Redhaven/PF-17) April 4 +/- 15 Days March 18
Tight Cluster Red Delicious April 9 +/- 13 Days March 30
Full Bloom Peach (Redhaven/PF-17) April 9 +/- 14 Days April 5
Pink Apple (Red Delicious) April 14 +/- 12 Days April 9
Full Bloom Apple (Red Delicious) April 22 +/- 11 Days April 20
Petal Fall (Redhaven) April 22 +/- 10 Days April 15
Petal Fall (Red Delicious) April 27 +/- 13 Days  May 3
Shuck Split (Redhaven) April 30 +/- 11 Days  April 22
Pit Hardening June 15 +/- 9 Days

 

 

Tree Fruit Trap Captures – Southern Counties

STLM TABM-A CM BMSB OFM-A DWB OFM-P TABM-P LPTB PTB
3/23/2024 70 0
3/30/2024 29 0 0
4/6/2024 421 0 0
4/13/2024 415 7 1
4/20/2024 900 7 0
4/27/2024 312 2 22  1
5/4/2024 137 2 8 27 1 5
5/11/2024 6 2 15 2 1 10 42
5/18/2024 5 6 11 2 6 0 12 41
5/25/2014 33 29 7 4 25 0 44 37
6/1/2024 719 12 12 1 1 0 44 57

Tree Fruit Trap Captures – Northern Counties

STLM TABM-A CM BMSB OFM-A DWB OFM-P TABM-P LPTB PTB AMBROSIA BEETLE
3/23/2024
3/30/2024
4/6/2024 0 0
4/13/2024 3.25 37.6
4/20/2024 11.75 93
4/27/2024 0 19 50
5/4/2024 1 16 19 124
5/11/2024 3 4 18 112
5/18/2024 4 2 1 2 2 2 83
5/25/2024 7 5 0 16 8 23 55
6/1/2024 16 7 0 28 7 21 37
Filed Under: Tree Fruit, Wine Grape
May 31, 2024

Blunt-nosed Leafhoppers in Cranberries – 2024

New Jersey cranberry growers are increasingly concerned about rising blunt-nosed leafhopper (BNLH) populations. This rise is attributed to changes in pest management strategies, such as the adoption of new reduced-risk products and decreased use of broad-spectrum insecticides, as well as the expansion of high-yielding varieties that seem more susceptible. BNLH is particularly worrisome because it transmits a phytoplasma, a type of bacteria, that causes false blossom disease. Symptoms of false blossom disease include stunted growth, erect sterile flowers (Figure 1), and distinctive branching of upright shoots, known as witches’ broom.

False blossom infected cranberry with erect flowers (left) and uninfected cranberry (right). Photo credit: Beth Ferguson.

Life Cycle

BNLH has one generation per year. Its eggs overwinter and begin hatching in early May. Nymphs go through five instars in about a month. Adults appear in early July, peak in mid-late July, and their numbers diminish by the first week of August. These adults have a distinctive blunt head and range in color from light yellowish-gray to dark brown. Eggs are laid between July and August.

Damage

Nymphs and adults feed on cranberry plant juices using their piercing-sucking mouthparts. This direct injury is not noticeable. However, they are significant as vectors of the phytoplasma that causes false blossom disease.

Management

At this time of the year, we are observing early-instar nymphs, mostly 2nd instars but also 3rd instars (Figure 2).

Blunt-nosed leafhopper nymphs. Photo credit: Beth Ferguson

Here are some guidelines to consider when managing BNLH in cranberries:

  1. Identify Infestation Sites: The key to BNLH control is locating infestation sites. The best way to monitor for this insect is with an insect sweep net. Before bloom, use sweep nets to monitor nymphs. Since nymphs are small, freeze the samples to kill them, then count the nymphs under a microscope or with a magnifying lens.
  2. Sweep-net Monitoring: Perform sweep sets of 25 sweeps each. The recommended number of sweep sets is:
  • 1 per 1–10 acres
  • At least 10 sweep sets per 10–20 acres
  • 1 sweep set per 2 acres for areas larger than 20 acres
  1. Lack of Economic Thresholds: Managing BNLH is challenging because they vector a phytoplasma causing false blossom disease. Establishing economic thresholds is difficult due to the unknown proportion of infected individuals in the population, which can vary by variety. Higher infection rates have been observed in newer varieties even when BNLH populations are low.
  2. Control Measures: Consider control measures based on BNLH numbers relative to previous years, history of insecticide application, and cranberry variety. If BNLH populations are increasing compared to previous years and the beds have not been treated for BNLH in 2-3 years, growers should consider treatment.
  3. Treatment Options: If treatment is necessary, consider the following options to manage BNLH:
  • Timing: The best time for insecticide treatment is before bloom to target young nymphs.
  • Insecticides: Organophosphates: Diazinon (diazinon), Orthene (acephate); Carbamates: Sevin (carbaryl); Pyrethroids: Fanfare or Brigade (bifenthrin), Danitol (fenpropathrin); Neonicotinoids: Assail (acetamiprid), Actara (thiamethoxam). Note: Do not use before bloom due to potential negative effects on bees, as these systemic insecticides can accumulate in pollen and nectar. Sulfoxaflor: Closer (sulfoxaflor). Although effective in small plot trials at the P.E. Marucci Center, more data are needed to confirm efficacy on larger commercial scales.
  • Be aware that, while not scientifically proven, there are claims that Orthene and Sevin may reduce pollinator activity by repelling bees.
Filed Under: Cranberry, Fruit
May 28, 2024 and

Tree Fruit IPM Report May 29, 2024

Peach:

Bacterial Spot: Copper formulations should be used starting at petal fall to suppress bacterial spot. Generally we recommend starting at 0.5 ozs metallic copper and gradually lowering the rate as the season progresses. The rate applied will depend on the formulation. Dr. Lalancette published a chart listing common copper formulations and rates for peach and nectarine applications. Avoid combining copper with captan especially if it has been overcast for several days. Also avoid acidic spray solutions when applying copper. Dr. Lalancette has published a handy guide for copper applications in early covers. Antibiotics containing oxytetracycline may also be used and may offer slightly more residual activity during long wetting periods. We have not seen any bacterial spot symptoms as of this writing except for one location in a northern county. We are nearing pit hardening which usually occurs mid-June. Once fruit gets to this stage it develops some resitanceto bacterial spot. Infections may still occur but will be less severe.

Oriental Fruit Moth: A biofix point for OFM was set on 4/10 in both northern and southern counties.  All Treatments for the first generation have past.

OFM 2nd Generation Timing
Insecticide Type
County/Region Degree Days by  5/29 base 45 Conventional

1150-1200

1450-1500

 Intrepid/Rimon

1050-1150

1300-1400

 Diamides/Virus

1075-1150

1375-1450
Gloucester – Southern 833 1st –June 13-16

2nd – too far off

 1st –June 9-13

2nd – too far off

 1st –June 10-13

2nd – too far off
Middlesex – Northern 731 1st –too far off

2nd – too far off

 1st –too far off

2nd – too far off

 1st –too far off

2nd – too far off

 

Plum Curculio; Tarnished Plant Bugs; and Other Catfacing Insects: Plum Curculio start to move into orchards at about 88-100 degree days base 50 after January 1. Applications for PC should be initiated once all petals are off, with a second application made with ovicidal materials at 379-402 DD. Currently we have accumulated about 661 DD base 50 in southern counties, and 552 DD base 50 in northern counties. Growers can monitor degree day development at their site by finding the nearest weather station and using the degree day development tool at NEWA. PC and Catfacing insects are active now and can cause injury.

Scale Insects: White peach scale crawlers began emergence around mid-May in southern counties and San jose scale crawlers typically begin emergence about late May or Early June and continue emergence for up to 6 weeks. Control options during crawler emergence include Neonicitiniods (suppression only), and the IGR’s Esteem and Centaur. See the NJ Commercial Tree Fruit Production Guide and the product labels for more information.

Apples and Pears:

Diseases: Now that primary scab is nearing the end, or has ended, the focus turns toward summer diseases such as fruit rots (esp. Bitter rot), and sooty blotch and fly speck. Bitter rot control has been difficult at best in recent years even where management programs have been rigorous. Research has suggested Products such as Merivon, Luna Sensation, Inspire Super, and Aprovia may be effective, and longtime reliable broad spectrum fungicides such as omega, captan and ziram should provide control. Experience has suggested that the addition of phosphorous acid products such as Prophyt or Rampart to captan sprays may improve control. Observations are that these products improve control of other summer diseases such as sooty blotch and flyspeck, and may help suppress scab infections where present.

Fire Blight: Fire Blight symptoms began appearing in southern county apple and pear orchards the week of 5/20, and in northern counties the week of 5/13. Typically it is recommended to cut out infected limbs however this is a practical decision that must be made. This blog post from Michigan State may be helpful to decide whether it is worth cutting out infected tissue. Once the terminal buds set, typically in July, infected wood should be removed to prevent colonization by the bitter rot pathogen.

Codling Moth: A Codling Moth Biofix was set in southern counties on 4/22 and on May 1 in northern counties. See the NJ Commercial Tree Fruit Production Guide for recommended materials and rates. Where Mating Disruption has been employed, supplemental Madex applications should be made at the timings listed below.

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

75-100DD + 14-17 days later

 

 Intrepid

150 + 450 DD

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

 Madex

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

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

250 DD + 550 DD

 
DD 75 100 150 450 250 250 550
Southern April 22 past past past 5/30 May 17 May 17 June 5
Northern  May 1 past past past 6/2 May 23 May 23 June 7

Tufted Apple Budmoth (TABM): A biofix for TABM was set in southern county orchards on 4/30. The first alternate middle applications for TABM will be on or about 5/24 in southern counties. This has been considered a minor pest in recent years. Many materials used for Codling Moth will also control TABM.

Scale Insects: Dormant oil applications are standard recommendations for scale control but in some years when conditions are not optimal for oil application scale control may be less than desired. Where oil was not applied or in orchards where scale is a recurring problem, an application of Centaur at petal fall or Movento between petal fall and first cover should “clean up” problem blocks. Centaur is recommended at 34.5 ozs./ac and Movento should be applied at 6-9 ozs./ac. A penetrant must be included to Movento as per the product label. Movento will also control apple aphids, including Wooly Aphid, when used at this timing. In pears Movento may also control aphids and 2nd generation pear psylla (if eggs are present) when applied at first cover.

Ambrosia Beetle : Infested trees are showing signs of stress. If you have had a history of this pest in your orchard, you should begin scouting for damage and remove any trees that have been attacked. It may be beneficial to leave attacked trees in the orchard for a few weeks before removal so they can act as trap trees to reduce populations. Beetles generally do not leave the host tree once they’ve attacked it. They will attract other beetles to the stressed tree and adjacent trees so they tend to stay in one area rather than spread throughout the orchard. Recently infested trees were taken to Rutgers Plant Diagnostic Clinic and the species attacking the trees was identified as Granulate Ambrosia Beetle, one of two ambrosia beetle species known to attack orchard fruit trees in NJ, the other being Black Stem Borer.

Wooly Apple Aphid (WAA); Green Apple (Spirea) Aphids (GAA): GAA colonies are beginning to appear in some apple blocks. GAA is generally a pest that can be tolerated since they do little direct damage. Treatment thresholds for GAA are if 50% of the shoots are infested with no beneficial insects present. WAA aerial colonies are also beginning to form in southern counties. This is about a month earlier than usually observed. In most years these are controlled by beneficials however in some years like 2022, serious outbreaks can occur. The best control for WAA is Movento applied before or when the first colonies appear. Diazinon is also effective at knocking down infestations. Movento will also control GAA and should control san jose scale when applied in mid-May, and suppress scale when applied in late May or early June.  Do not combine Diazinon with Captan.

Potato Leafhoppers (PLH): PLH adults began appearing in apples this past week. PLH should not be tolerated in non-bearing orchards because they can stunt the growth of new shoots. Likewise they should not be tolerated in orchards were fire blight is present because they have been demonstrated to spread the disease. PLH appear as light green smallish leafhoppers and are often found on the new leaves in the growing tips. Neonicitiods are generally recommended for control however there are other braod spectrum materials that are effective. Refer to the NJ Commercial Tree Fruit Production Guide for more information.

Pear:  Second generation pear psylla began hatching about 5/15. Options for control include spynosyn products such as Delegate and Entrust, and the neocitinoids (IRAC group 4A). The addition of 0.25-1 gal of summer oil may improve control. Other options include Movento, the IGR’s Esteem and Centaur, and products containing abamectin. Be sure to read and follow the label instructions regarding the addition of penetrants for abamectin products. Pear Psylla are still actively laying eggs and nymphs continue to hatch.

Grape: Early blooming native grapes were at trace bloom on 5/24, therefore we have set the the Grape Berry Moth biofix at 5/24 for southern counties. Since V. riparia typically blooms with early natives we used Concord and Ives to set the biofix. The model works best when growers record their own bloom dates and use the Grape Berry Moth model at NEWA. Applications for GBM using Intrepid or Diamides should be made at 810 DD base 47. Other effective materials can be applied a few days later. Currently we are at 420 DD in southern counties. Applications have been historically made around the end of June in southern counties.

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

Pest Event or Growth Stage Approximate Date 2024 Observed Date
 Bud Swell (Redhaven/PF-17)  March 23 +/- 15 Days March 13
1/4″ Green Tip Red Delicious March 31 +/- 13 Days March 18
Pink Peach (Redhaven/PF-17) April 4 +/- 15 Days March 18
Tight Cluster Red Delicious April 9 +/- 13 Days March 30
Full Bloom Peach (Redhaven/PF-17) April 9 +/- 14 Days April 5
Pink Apple (Red Delicious) April 14 +/- 12 Days April 9
Full Bloom Apple (Red Delicious) April 22 +/- 11 Days April 20
Petal Fall (Redhaven) April 22 +/- 10 Days April 15
Petal Fall (Red Delicious) April 27 +/- 13 Days  May 3
Shuck Split (Redhaven) April 30 +/- 11 Days  April 22
Pit Hardening June 15 +/- 9 Days

 

 

Tree Fruit Trap Captures – Southern Counties

STLM TABM-A CM BMSB OFM-A DWB OFM-P TABM-P LPTB PTB
3/23/2024 70 0
3/30/2024 29 0 0
4/6/2024 421 0 0
4/13/2024 415 7 1
4/20/2024 900 7 0
4/27/2024 312 2 22  1
5/4/2024 137 2 8 27 1 5
5/11/2024 6 2 15 2 1 10 42
5/18/2024 5 6 11 2 6 0 12 41
5/24/2014 33 29 7 4 25 0 44 37

Tree Fruit Trap Captures – Northern Counties

STLM TABM-A CM BMSB OFM-A DWB OFM-P TABM-P LPTB PTB AMBROSIA BEETLE
3/23/2024
3/30/2024
4/6/2024 0 0
4/13/2024 3.25 37.6
4/20/2024 11.75 93
4/27/2024 0 19 50
5/4/2024 1 16 19 124
5/11/2024 3 4 18 112
5/18/2024 4 2 1 2 2 2 83
5/24/2024 7 5 0 16 8 23 55
Filed Under: Tree Fruit, Wine Grape