Search Results for: corn borer

May 8, 2013

Veg IPM Update : Week Ending 5/08/13

Sweet Corn

By this time last year, we had already begun catching European corn borer (ECB) adults, as well as a few corn earworm (CEW) adults. Due to much cooler conditions this season, blacklight trap catches have very few insects of any type. As a result, there will be no maps published in this IPM Update. In general, sweet corn is well behind recent seasons in terms of development. As ECB numbers develop, their activity will be reported here.

Cole Crops

In many locations, imported cabbageworm butterflies (ICW) are active. These butterflies were seen laying eggs on kale in Hunterdon County this week. Egg deposition is undoubtedly occurring all over the state, during warm periods. Be sure to check the youngest portions of plants, as this is often where the ICW larvae go to feed. Feeding can damage the growing point of plants, if it is not detected in time. Check 5 consecutive plants each in 10 random locations throughout the field. Consider treating if caterpillars are found on 10% or more plants that are in the 0-9 true leaf stage. From 9-leaf to the early head stage (in broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage) infestations up to 20% may be tolerated. Once heads begin to form, a 5% threshold should be observed to protect the marketable portion of the plant. For leafy greens such as collards and kale, 10% plants infested is the threshold throughout.

Crucifer flea beetle is active on many plantings, particularly when conditions are warm. When scouting cole crops for caterpillar pests, check for the presence of flea beetles. Consider treating if flea beetles are present on 50% or more plants, and feeding injury is evident on the plants. Be sure to monitor newly emerged or transplanted fields for the presence of this pest. In general, plants like arugula and mustard (those with a “hotter” flavor) are more favorable to flea beetles.

Filed Under: Vegetable Crops
May 1, 2013

Vegetable IPM Update: Week Ending 5/1/13

Rutgers Cooperative Extension IPM personnel are currently deploying blacklight trap and insect pheromone trap networks throughout the state. Sampling will commence within one week, and insect data will be published in the Plant and Pest Advisory Online and on the Pest Map Archive as soon as target pests begin to appear. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Vegetable Crops
September 26, 2012

Vegetable IPM Report September 26, 2012

Filed Under: Vegetable Crops
July 13, 2012

Vegetable IPM July 13, 2012

-Kristian Holmstrom

Sweet Corn
European corn borer (ECB) adult catches have begun to increase again in some parts of the state. This is an indication that the second flight is starting. The most consistent catches at this time are in Salem and Cumberland counties, although low level catches are also being recorded in Morris and Burlington counties (see ECB Map). Plants are largely free of ECB injury at this time, but the situation will change within 2 weeks, as eggs are laid and larvae begin to feed. Consider treating if 12% or more plants exhibit the characteristic “shot-hole” type feeding on leaves and/or droppings or ECB larvae in emerging tassels. Remember to make a full-tassel application to control ECB larvae as they leave the tassel and travel down the stalk to re-enter the plant near the ear shank. This last application is often critical to controlling ear infestations from ECB. Consider weekly applications through the silk stage unless local corn earworm catches dictate a tighter schedule. This will help prevent ear infestations resulting from eggs laid on or near the developing ear.

The highest nightly ECB catches for the previous week are as follows:

Shirley 3 Green Creek 2 Eldora 1
Burlington 2 Shiloh 2 Long Valley 1
Chester 2 Allentown 1 Morristown 1
Denville 2 Downer 1 Oldwick 1

 

Corn earworm moth (CEW) catches are highly variable at this time. From lower Burlington County south, there are higher numbers, with particular hot-spots in Salem and Cumberland counties (see CEW Map). Pheromone catches near the Camden/Atlantic County border, as well as Salem and Cumberland counties have increased significantly over the past week as well. These moths are a threat to the sweet corn plantings now in the silk stage. As silks begin to appear, pay close attention to CEW catches in local blacklight traps, and treat silking plantings accordingly. Begin silk spray schedules as close to first silk as possible.
The highest nightly CEW catches for the previous week are as follows:

Centerton 5 Downer 2 Hammonton 1
Woodstown 5 Indian Mills 2 Medford 1
Cedarville 3 Shiloh 2 Pedricktown 1
Jones Island 3 Tabernacle 2 Shirley 1

 

Silking Spray Schedules*
South – 3-4 days
Central – 5-6 days
North – 6-7 days
* Note: These are general recommendations. Local trap catches may indicate some variation in the frequency of insecticide applications to silking corn.

Peppers
With the beginning of the second ECB flight, it is a good idea to scout fields at least weekly for the presence of ECB eggs. If 2 or more eggmasses are found in a 50 plant sample (2 leaves/plant), a foliar insecticide application should be considered. Generally, where blacklight trap catches average one or more ECB per night (shaded and crosshatched areas on the map, and blue and green areas on the web version, found at: http://www.pestmanagement.rutgers.edu/IPM/ Vegetable/Pest%20Maps/maparchive.htm) and fruit are greater than ½” in diameter, insecticides are warranted. See the 2012 Commercial Vegetable Production Recommendations for materials useful in controlling ECB. Beet armyworm (BAW) larval populations have been found on various crops in southern NJ. This pest is typically a threat to peppers, and as new plantings become established, growers should be on the alert for this pest. BAW larvae feed on leaves near the growing points on plants. This feeding can result in significant defoliation and ultimately fruit damage, as the larvae begin to feed there as they grow. BAW is another of our southern invaders that has shown up much earlier than expected. Like FAW, BAW can be difficult to control with older materials. See the 2012 Commercial Vegetable Production Recommendations for newer materials useful in controlling BAW.

Brown Marmorated Stinkbug (BMSB)
BMSB adult catches are still low in most blacklight traps, although numbers have been increasing gradually over the past two weeks or so. At present, the only trap averaging more than 5 BMSB/night is near Shirley in Cumberland County (see BMSB map). BMSB has shown a preference for peppers in the past. Growers should pay close attention to activity from local traps to determine when to initiate field monitoring of this pest.
The highest nightly BMSB catches for the previous week are as follows:

Shirley 15 Jones Island 4 Indian Mills 3
Denville 5 Morristown 4 Oldwick 3
Green Creek 5 Flanders 3 Shiloh 3
Hammonton 4 Folsom 3 Oxford 3

 

Tomatoes
With prolonged hot, dry weather, thrips have begun to increase in a number of scouted tomato fields. Flower thrips may be found by tapping upper level fresh flower clusters over an index card. This should be done at least once a week. If there is a sharp increase in the number
of flower clusters having thrips, consider an insecticide to suppress their numbers. These insects can cause a golden colored “fleck” to the surface of fruit. This injury is largely cosmetic, but can result in unmarketable fruit. Generally, if thrips are found in less than 50% of flower clusters, the threat is low. However, if multiple thrips are found in more than half of the samples, and numbers have increased, an insecticide may be warranted. See the 2012 Commercial Vegetable Production Recommendations for newer materials useful in controlling flower thrips.

Filed Under: Vegetable Crops
May 12, 2025 and

Tree Fruit IPM Report May 12, 2025

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 observed bacterial leaf spot symptoms in the field starting last week (Figure 1).

Figure 1. Bacterial leaf spot in peach. Photo by Dave Schmitt.

Oriental Fruit Moth: We have recorded high OFM trap captures this season throughout the state. A biofix point for OFM was set on 4/2 for southern counties and 4/17 in northern counties. The first of two insecticide timings for first generation Oriental Fruit Moth control fall at 170-200 degree days base 45 after biofix. This timing generally coincides with 100% petal fall in peaches. Timings are updated below: Do not apply insecticides until all bloom is off. No Insecticides for OFM are needed where Mating Disruption is implemented.

OFM 1st Generation Timing
Insecticide Type
County/Region Degree Days by 5/12 base 45 Conventional

170-200, 350-375

 Diamide

100-150, 300-350
Gloucester – Southern 555 1st –past

2nd – past

 1st –past

2nd –past
Middlesex – Northern 444 1st –past

2nd –past

  1st – past

2nd –past

Green Peach Aphid: GPA colonies begin forming sometime during bloom. Examine trees for the presence of colonies from pink to shuck split. Count the number of colonies on ten trees and use a treatment threshold of 2 colonies/tree at petal fall for peach, and 1 colony/tree for nectarine. The best way to scout for aphids during bloom is with a beating tray. This is particularly important for nectarine blocks. If more than 1 colony of aphids are found in nectarines, or 2-3 colonies are found in peaches, an insecticide for aphids will be needed when all petals are off. See the NJ Commercial Tree Fruit Production Guide for recommended materials and rates. Aphid colonies curling leaves was noted in southern counties starting the week of 4/28.

Plum Curculio; Tarnished Plant Bugs; and Other Catfacing Insects: Last week we observed on average 1% injury on developing fruit from PC (Figure 2), specifically apples, in southern counties. This is an increase from 0.3% injury observed from last week.

Figure 2. Injury to developing fruit from plum curculio oviposition in apple.

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 452 DD base 50 in southern counties, and 397 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. Catfacing insects are active now and can cause injury. Greater than 1 to 2% fresh catfacing injury on the fruit means that adjustments have to be made in the spray program.

Scale Insects: White peach scale crawlers have not yet emerged but usually begin emergence about the third week of May and continue emergence until about the middle of June. 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.

Lesser and Greater Peach Tree Borers: Growers using mating disruption for borer control can begin placing dispensers around the end of April and should have them in place by mid-May.

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. Studies have shown that fruitlets become susceptible to bitter rot infections 20 days post petal fall. 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: Infections can still occur post bloom so covers with antibiotics when infection events are forecast using the NEWA fire blight model may be beneficial. Remember to rotate streptomycin and oxytetracycline products. To reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance developing, apply in combination Actigard and Apogee to control fire blight. These products may be particularly useful in young trees where fire blight incidence and damage can be significant. This article from Michigan State provides more information on the use of these materials to target shoot blight. If symptoms appear, it is generally 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.

Codling Moth: A Codling Moth Biofix was set in Southern counties on 4/28 and in Northern counties on 4/30. 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 28 Past Past 5/7 Too far off 5/14 5/14 Too far off
Northern  April 30 Past Past 5/10 Too far off Too far off Too far off Too far off

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.

Rosy Apple Aphid:  If a pre-bloom application was not made, monitor for colonies during bloom and use a treatment threshold of 1 colony/tree at petal fall. Rosy aphid colonies have been observed in orchards starting the week of 4/28.

Wooly Apple Aphid (WAA); Green Apple (Spirea) Aphids (GAA): GAA colonies are being observed 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 being observed about a month earlier than usual. 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.

Ambrosia Beetle : Trap captures continue at previous week’s levels. Infested trees should be showing signs of stress or will be soon. Once these beetles bore into the trunk, they will form a gallery in the heartwood of the tree to lay their eggs and farm the ambrosia fungus to feed themselves and their larvae. Once the female lays her eggs, it will take about 30 days for them to become adults and emerge from their host tree to begin the second flight. 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.

Pear Psylla:  Second generation pear psylla have not appeared yet, but usually begin hatching mid-late May. Options for control include spinosyn products such as Delegate and Entrust, and the neonicotinoids (IRAC group 4A). The addition of 0.25-1 gal of summer oil may improve control. Other options include Movento, and products containing abamectin. Be sure to read and follow the label instructions regarding the addition of penetrants for these products.

Grapes

We are prebloom in vineyards in southern counties. The most important diseases to manage at this time are Phomopsis and Powdery Mildew. Starting at 3″ growth start managing for Black Rot. More information about early season disease control can be found in this blogpost from Virginia Tech. SLF nymphs are emerging in southern counties and will continue to hatch over the next few weeks.

Figure 3. SLF Nymphs on Grape.

We are beginning to catch grape berry moth in pheromone traps in vineyards; however, a biofix will not be set until early native varieties are at trace bloom. Research has shown that insecticide timing for the first generation provides little, if any, control of grape berry moth in vineyards.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

Pest Event or Growth Stage Approximate Date 2025 Observed Date
 Bud Swell (Redhaven/PF-17)  March 23 +/- 15 Days March 30
1/4″ Green Tip Red Delicious March 31 +/- 13 Days March 30
Pink Peach (Redhaven/PF-17) April 4 +/- 15 Days April 1
Tight Cluster Red Delicious April 9 +/- 13 Days April 5
Full Bloom Peach (Redhaven/PF-17) April 9 +/- 14 Days April 10
Pink Apple (Red Delicious) April 14 +/- 12 Days April 16
Full Bloom Apple (Red Delicious) April 22 +/- 11 Days April 25
Petal Fall (Redhaven) April 22 +/- 10 Days April 19
Petal Fall (Red Delicious) April 27 +/- 13 Days May 2
Shuck Split (Redhaven) April 30 +/- 11 Days April 26
Pit Hardening June 15 +/- 9 Days

Tree Fruit Trap Captures – Southern Counties

Week Ending STLM TABM-A CM BMSB OFM-A DWB OFM-P TABM-P LPTB PTB
4/5/2025 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
4/12/2025 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 0
4/21/2025 0 0 0 0 36 0 1 0 0 0
4/27/2025 25 0 0 0 24 0 5 0 1 0
5/2/2025 517 0 4 0 12 0 6 0 13 0
5/9/2025 159 4 10 0 3 16 5 4 46 0

Tree Fruit Trap Captures – Northern Counties

Week Ending STLM TABM-A CM BMSB OFM-A DWB OFM-P TABM-P LPTB PTB AMBROSIA BEETLE
4/5/2025 387 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
4/21/2025 435 0 0 0 0 0 1.3 0 0 0 0
4/27/2025 26 0 0 0 0 0 25 0 0 0 72
5/2/2025 86 0 0.33 0 72.5 0 47.2 0 0 0 136
5/9/2025 56 0 5.3 0 58.8 0 22.9 0 0 0 145

 

Filed Under: Fruit, Tree Fruit, Uncategorized, Wine Grape
May 6, 2025 and

Tree Fruit IPM Report May 5, 2025

Tree Fruit Phenology: In southern counties peach orchards are shuck split to shuck off. Redhaven /PF-17 was at approximately at petal fall on April 19. Red Delicious is at petal fall. Cherries are at past bloom and petal fall depending on variety.

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.

Peach Scab: In addition to Rusty Spot and Bacterial Spot, Peach Scab requires protective applications starting at petal fall. Peach scab cankers begin to expand at bloom and by shuck split begin to shed spores during wetting periods. Topsin, Topsin/Captan combinations, Flint Extra, Inspire Super, and especially Quadris Top applied at petal fall are the best materials for blocks that had scab last year. Quadris Top, Flint Extra or Topsin should be used at the high rate to suppress overwintering lesions on the wood. Quadris Top contains azoxystrobin which is phytotoxic to many apple varieties. Phytotoxic residues can remain in the tank for long periods after an application is made, even if a tank cleaner is used. Do not use Quadris Top or Abound in the same sprayer used for apples. Bravo (chlorothalonil) is also a good protectant that may be applied no later than shuck split. Captan is also helpful in cover sprays after shuck split where scab was troublesome last year.

Oriental Fruit Moth: A biofix point for OFM was set on 4/2 for southern counties and 4/17 in northern counties.  The first of two insecticide timings for first generation Oriental Fruit Moth control fall at 170-200 degree days base 45 deg F after biofix. This timing generally coincides with 100% petal fall in peaches. Do not apply insecticides until all bloom is off. No insecticides for OFM are needed where Mating Disruption is implemented.

OFM 1st Generation Timing
Insecticide Type
County/Region Degree Days by 5/5 base 45 Conventional

170-200, 350-375

 Diamide

100-150, 300-350
Gloucester – Southern 423 1st –past

2nd – past

 1st –past

2nd –past
Middlesex – Northern 322 1st –past

2nd –5/6-5/8

  1st – past

2nd –5/4-5/7

Green Peach Aphid: GPA colonies begin forming sometime during bloom. Examine trees for the presence of colonies from pink to shuck split. Count the number of colonies on ten trees and use a treatment threshold of 2 colonies/tree at petal fall for peach, and 1 colony/tree for nectarine. The best way to scout for aphids during bloom is with a beating tray. Blossoms may also be collected, opened, and examined for the presence of aphids using a hand lens. This is particularly important for nectarine blocks. Check 10 trees per block with the beating tray. Collect 50 blossoms per block and examine for the presence of aphids. If more than 1 colony of aphids are found in nectarines, or 2-3 colonies are found in peaches, an insecticide for aphids will be needed when all petals are off. See the NJ Commercial Tree Fruit Production Guide for recommended materials and rates. The first aphid colonies curling leaves was noted in southern counties last week.

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 354 DD base 50 in southern counties, and 310 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. Catfacing insects are starting activity but cause little damage at this time of the year. Catfacing insects will become more of an issue as temperatures warm and mowing and other ground cover activities become more common after bloom. Insecticides for catfacing insects are not recommended until after all petals are off.

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 shuck split 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 green peach aphid when used at this timing.

Lesser and Greater Peach Tree Borers: Growers using mating disruption for borer control can begin placing dispensers around the end of April and should have them in place by mid-May.

Apples and Pears:

Diseases: Fire Blight, Apple Scab, Rust diseases, and Powdery Mildew are the main targets at this stage. The NEWA apple scab model is estimating about 99% ascospore maturity as of 5/5 in southern NJ with 94% of cumulative ascospores discharged. The model estimates about 98% ascospore maturity for Northern Counties with 96% ascospores released. Primary apple scab spores are released during any substantial infection period. Between tight cluster and first cover include products effective for powdery mildew and cedar apple rust. To manage Fire Blight in both apples and pears, consider using Kasumin at bloom. Kasumin is an antibiotic like Streptomycin and Oxytetratracycline. It contains Kasugamycin which is a different chemistry. Kasumin is only labeled for bloom and petal fall applications while strep and oxytet are labeled for post bloom use (Note that Fireline 45 is only labeled for 1 post bloom application on apple.). Using 3 different chemistries in rotation allows for resistance management while extending the protection into the post bloom period when late blossoms typically appear which ever material you use, the addition of Actigard, Lifegard, or other plant defense elicitors may improve control.

Rust Diseases: The two most common rust diseases that affect pome fruit are Quince Rust and Cedar Apple Rust. In some years these diseases can be troublesome in commercial orchards. Most disease control programs for scab will also control rust. In organically managed blocks in the east options are limited for approved materials that are effective for rust. Potassium Bicarbonate products have shown good efficacy for rust diseases in trials performed in Virginia. Organic growers should seek out and plant rust resistant cultivars. Cultural controls are not practicable due to the widespread presence of alternate host Junipers both wild and cultivated. Rust disease development on junipers should now be producing large spore releases during wetting periods. See this link for pictures of rust on pome fruit and juniper.

Codling Moth: A Codling Moth Biofix was set on 4/28 in Southern counties on 4/30 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 28 5/1 5/3 5/6 Too far off Too far off Too far off Too far off
Northern  April 30 5/5 5/6 Too far off Too far off Too far off Too far off Too far off

 

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 shuck split 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 1st generation pear psylla when applied at petal fall.

Rosy Apple Aphid:  If a pre-bloom application was not made, monitor for colonies during bloom and use a treatment threshold of 1 colony/tree at petal fall.

Ambrosia Beetle : Across all northern counties, we are catching increasing number of beetles on our clear sticky traps. We are monitoring the first-generation flight as they are moving into orchards in search of stressed trees to attack. Once these beetles bore into the trunk, they will form a gallery in the heartwood of the tree to lay their eggs and farm the ambrosia fungus to feed themselves and their larvae. Once the female lays her eggs, it will take about 30 days for them to become adults and emerge from their host tree to begin the second flight. 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.

Pear Psylla:  Dormant oil applications should have already been started to deter psylla egg laying. At the green cluster stage a pyrethroid or Esteem is generally included with oil. Pyrethroids may knock down some of the adults (Fig. 1) migrating into the orchard, while Esteem may sterilize them.

Figure 1. Adult pear psylla.

In lieu of oil or insecticides, Surround may also be applied starting at swollen bud and continued through petal fall. If using Surround through the bloom period stop at petal fall and switch to applications of 1% summer oil @ 1gal/100 in no less than 150 gals/ac. these should be made at no more than 2 week intervals. At petal fall insecticide options for Psylla control include Actara, Assail, Belay, Movento, Sivanto Prime, and Agri-mek. See the NJ Commercial Tree Fruit Production Guide for recommended materials and rates.

Pear Diseases:  Include effective materials such as Ziram or EBDC formulations for Pear Scab and Rust diseases beginning at the cluster bud stage. At white bud use products effective for pear scab, rusts, and fabrea leaf spot. For both apples and pears, consider using Kasumin at bloom. Kasumin is an antibiotic like Streptomycin and Oxytetratracycline. It contains Kasugamycin which is a different chemistry. Kasumin is only labeled for bloom and petal fall applications while strep and oxytetracycline are labeled for post bloom use. Using 3 different chemistries in rotation allows for resistance management while extending the protection into the post bloom period when late blossoms typically appear. Whichever material you use, the addition of Actigard, Lifegard, or other plant defense elicitors may improve control.

Grapes

Figure 2. First instar SLF nymph on grape. (Photo – David Schmitt).

The most important diseases to manage at this time are Phomopsis and Powdery Mildew. At 3″ growth start managing for Black Rot. More information about early season disease control can be found in this blogpost from Virginia Tech. Insect pests to monitor are Grape Flea Beetle, and Climbing Cutworms. Controls for these insects are rarely needed. If control is determined to be necessary, use one of the materials recommended in the New Jersey Commercial Grape Production Guide. SLF nymphs (Fig. 2) usually begin to emerge around this time and have been observed in southern counties. There is no need to control SLF at this time.

 

 

 

 

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

Pest Event or Growth Stage Approximate Date 2025 Observed Date
 Bud Swell (Redhaven/PF-17)  March 23 +/- 15 Days March 30
1/4″ Green Tip Red Delicious March 31 +/- 13 Days March 30
Pink Peach (Redhaven/PF-17) April 4 +/- 15 Days April 1
Tight Cluster Red Delicious April 9 +/- 13 Days April 5
Full Bloom Peach (Redhaven/PF-17) April 9 +/- 14 Days April 10
Pink Apple (Red Delicious) April 14 +/- 12 Days April 16
Full Bloom Apple (Red Delicious) April 22 +/- 11 Days April 25
Petal Fall (Redhaven) April 22 +/- 10 Days April 19
Petal Fall (Red Delicious) April 27 +/- 13 Days May 2
Shuck Split (Redhaven) April 30 +/- 11 Days April 26
Pit Hardening June 15 +/- 9 Days

 

Tree Fruit Trap Captures – Southern Counties

Week Ending STLM TABM-A CM BMSB OFM-A DWB OFM-P TABM-P LPTB PTB
4/5/2025 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
4/12/2025 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 0
4/21/2025 0 0 0 0 36 0 1 0 0 0
4/27/2025 25 0 0 0 24 0 5 0 1 0
5/2/2025 517 0 4 0 12 0 6 0 13 0

 

Tree Fruit Trap Captures – Northern Counties

Week Ending STLM TABM-A CM BMSB OFM-A DWB OFM-P TABM-P LPTB PTB AMBROSIA BEETLE
4/5/2025 387 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
4/21/2025 435 0 0 0 0 0 1.3 0 0 0 0
4/27/2025 26 0 0 0 0 0 25 0 0 0 72
5/2/2025 86 0 0.33 0 72.5 0 47.2 0 0 0 136
Filed Under: Fruit, Tree Fruit, Uncategorized, Wine Grape