July Pest Scouting Nursery, Landscape, and Christmas Trees – Key borer and scale insect control timings

Pest Scouting – Please refer to these documents for a full listing of insects pests for your area corresponding to growing degree-days (GDDs). 

Quick look guides for July (Borers and Scales) and (All other) 

Contact if seeing insects at different times: twaller@njaes.rutgers.edu (or call the Cumberland County Extension Office – 856-451-2800)

The following key groups of pests will be active, vulnerable, or otherwise treatable during the next month throughout most of NJ. Here, scale insects and borers with key life stage events during the 1000-2500 GDD timeframe are discussed. Note there are many other insect pests present this time of year so please view the pest scouting guides above for your particular needs.

Projected GDD50 Accumulation as of July 13 2022 Note: Growing degree-day values utilize daily average air temperatures with a minimum temperature threshold (a.k.a. ‘base’) of 50F = GDD50 (max. temp. threshold set at 95F). These values are accumulated from a biofix date, such as January or March 1st in the NE USA. Provided GDD50 are scouting ranges and should be truthed.
Region Location Station 13-Jul 1-Aug 1-Sep
South Upper Deerfield NJ50 1598 2115 2905
Central Howell / Freehold NJ10 1383 1871 2594
North High Point NJ59 1132 1541 2138
Forecast: NOAA NCEP Coupled Forecast System model version 2 (CFSv2) forecast system (3.5 months) (USPEST.ORG)

Refer to this post “Obtaining your local growing degree-days” for additional information 

BORER Insect Activity for 1000-2500 GDD (~ July)
Crop type Common Name Scientific Name GDD Min (50F) GDD Max (95F) Reference Developmental / Target Stage
Many Roundheaded appletree borer Saperda candida 802 1129 RU Adults
Ash Emerald ash borer Agrilus planipennis 1000 1200 4 Peak adult activity
Many Roundheaded apple tree borer Saperda candida 1514 1798 5 Typical treatment window
Conifer Nantucket tip moth Rhyacionia frustrana 1514 1917 RU Adults 2nd generation
Maple Sugar maple borer Glycobius speciosus 2032 2375 5 Typical treatment window
Locust Locust borer Magacyllene robiniae 2271 2805 5 Typical treatment window
Poplar and Willow Poplar and willow borer Crytorhynchus lapathi 2271 2806 5 Typical treatment window

Click here – “Identifying Clearwing Moth Borers in Pheromone Traps” or “Differentiating the Common Wood Borers of Ash Trees”

SCALE Insect Activity for 1000 – 2500 GDD (~ July)
Crop type Common Name Scientific Name GDD Min (50F) GDD Max (95F) Reference Developmental / Target Stage
Conifer Cryptomeria scale Aspidiotus cryptomeriae 600 800 3 First crawler emergence
Many White prunicola scale Psedaulacaspis prunicola 707 1151 RU Crawlers (1st generation)
Conifer Juniper scale Carulaspis juniperi 707 1260 RU Crawlers (1st generation)
Many Calico scale Eulecanium cerasorum 714 6 Crawlers (1st generation)
Conifer Striped pine scale Toumeyella pini 750 800 4 Egg hatch
Oak, hickory, birch, many Oak leacanium scale Parthenolecanium quercifex 789 6 Crawlers (1st generation)
Acer Cottony maple leaf scale Pulvinaria acericola 802 1265 5 Crawlers (1st generation)
Many, shadetrees Cottony maple scale Pulvinaria innumerabilis 802 1265 RU Crawlers (1st generation) – control target
Oaks Golden oak scale Asterolecanium variolosum 802 1266 5 Egg hatch
Maples Japanese maple scale Lopholeucaspis japonica 829 6 Crawlers (1st generation)
Elm European elm scale Gossyparia spuria 831 1388 6,2 Crawlers (1st generation)
Shade trees European fruit lecanium scale Parthenolecanium corni 932 1645 6,RU Crawlers  – control target
Conifer Pine tortoise scale Toumeyella parvicornis 1000 1200 4 Egg hatch ends, last of crawlers
Yew, many conifers Fletcher Scale (Yew) Parthenolecanium fletcheri 1029 1388 RU Crawlers (1st generation) – control target
Many Indian wax scale Ceroplastes ceriferus 1145 6 Crawlers (1st generation)
Euonymus Euonymus Scale Unaspis euonymil 1150 1388 5 2nd generation targeted treatments
Shade trees European fruit lecanium scale Parthenolecanium corni 1266 1645 5 Crawlers
Conifer Pine Needle Scale Chionaspis pinifoliae 1290 1917 3 Crawlers emerge (2nd generation) – control target
Conifer Hemlock scale Abgrallaspis ithacae 1388 2154 5 Typical treatment window
Malus, Prunus, many Peachtree borer Synanthedon sp. 1500 1800 RU Larvae Treatment
Many White prunicola scale Pseudaulacaspis prunicola 1637 6 Egg hatch / crawler (2nd generation)
Euonymus Euonymus Scale Unaspis euonymil 1700 RU Continued 2nd generation treatments
Conifer Cryptomeria scale Aspidiotus cryptomeriae 1750 2130 RU, 4 Crawlers emerge (2nd generation)
Many Obscure scale Melanaspis obscura 1774 6 Egg hatch / crawler
Conifer Maskell scale lepidosaphes pallia 2035 6 Egg hatch / crawler (2nd generation)
Mainly Tulip Tulip tree scale Toumeyella liriodendri 2037 2629 RU Crawlers (1st generation)
Mainly Magnolia Magnolia scale Neolecanium cornuparvum 2155 2800 RU Crawlers (1st generation)
Maple Japanese maple scale Lopholeucaspis japonica 2508 6 Egg hatch / crawler (2nd generation)
Conifer Elongate hemlock scale Fiorinia externa 2515 2625 RU Typical treatment window – fall activity
Yew, many conifers Fletcher Scale (Yew) Parthenolecanium fletcheri 2515 2800 RU Fall control of overwintering stage

[Read more…]

Pest Scouting 200-500 GDD – Get sprayers ready for Borers, Scale Crawlers, and other important pests

It’s that time of year again, many scale crawlers and borers will be active over the next few weeks throughout NJ. Be prepared to target specific pest life-stages for the highest level of efficacy per material cost and get those problem insects in check. Application of contact insecticides during specific activity windows for these pests should be coupled with systemic applications now to help protect woody plants later on.

Borers attack stressed plants. If you recently dug then heeled-in trees, transplanted seedlings, or otherwise seriously stressed a tree, please consider taking immediate action to protect them from both adult flights (contact trunk sprays) and future infestations (systemics)   

Please Download these resources: (The scouting guide is for you to print and keep on hand…these are just updates)

Nursery and Landscape Pest Scouting Guide 2022 PDF (note this contains conifer pests as well)

Conifer Pest Scouting Guide 2022 PDF

Contact if seeing insects at different times: twaller@njaes.rutgers.edu (or call the Cumberland County Extension Office – 856-451-2800)

Projected GDD50 accumulation as of 5/13/2022 Note: Growing degree-day values utilize daily average air temperatures with a minimum temperature threshold (a.k.a. ‘base’) of 50F = GDD50 (max. temp. threshold set at 95F). These values are accumulated from a biofix date, such as January or March 1st in the NE USA. Provided GDD50 are scouting ranges and should be truthed.
Region Location Station 13-May 1-Jun 1-Jul
South Upper Deerfield NJ50 297 603 1323
Central Howell / Freehold NJ10 242 508 1160
North High Point NJ59 135 345 867
Forecast: NOAA NCEP Coupled Forecast System model version 2 (CFSv2) forecast system (3.5 months) (USPEST.ORG)

Refer to this post “Obtaining your local growing degree-days” for additional information 

[Read more…]

ALERT – Boxwood Blight Infection Potential for the majority of NJ this weekend (5/13 – 5/15)!

There is a potential for new boxwood blight infections this weekend throughout much of NJ – especially southern regions. The end of week rains coupled with increased temperatures and prolonged periods of leaf wetness will contribute to the spread of boxwood blight infections.

  • It is time to begin protective fungicide applications in high value areas if you have not already done so! 

  • Protective fungicide applications should remain in effect or be initiated immediately for Boxwood Blight throughout much of NJ
  • If your area is not listed (throughout all of NJ please visit the USPEST.ORG Boxwood Blight Risk Model – CLICK HERE TO CHECK YOUR LOCAL PREDICTIONS
  • BWB has already been observed this season just south of us in Maryland.

Boxwood Blight risk-model information, considerations, and links:

Boxwood Blight Risk Assessment as of 5/10/2022
Region Location CODE 10-May 11-May 12-May 13-May 14-May 15-May NOTES
Southern Upper Deerfield NJ50 Very Low  Very Low  Very Low  Low  Infection Risk Infection Risk High probability of new infections
Central Howell / Freehold NJ10 Very Low  Very Low  Very Low  Low*  Low*  Low*  *5/13-15 very close to infection risks
Northern High Point NJ59 Very Low  Very Low  Very Low  Very Low Low*  Low*  *5/14-15 very close to infection risks
Please check your local boxwood blight risk at (https://uspest.org/risk/boxwood_app)

(CLICK on this link – input your area code – select closest weather station – check 7-14 prediction – click on graph / table)

These advisories are general in nature and change rapidly over time and throughout the state! Someone from your business should be using this risk model daily if boxwood is important to your financial stability – In 30 seconds you can have a better idea of boxwood blight (and other pathogen) activity in your immediate area! Please contact Tim Waller if you need help using this service (twaller@njaes.rutgers.edu), I want to help! 

Fungicides; 

  1. You very well may have these materials already applied as ‘cover-sprays’ – But – be mindful that protectant fungicides loose efficacy the more rain (or overhead irrigation) they are subjected to, and reapplication may be warranted.
  2. ROTATE between Fungicide Resistance Action Committee (FRAC codes) to avoid this pathogen becoming resistant to specific chemicals

Format: [FRAC code]: Chemical name (Trade names * no endorsement implied) 

  • [M05]: Chlorothalonil (Daconil WS)
  • [M05 + 1] Chlorothalonil + Thiophanate methyl (Spectro 90WDG)
  • [11] Trifloxystrobin + [7] Fluopyram  (Broadform)
  • [11] Trifloxystrobin + [3] Triadimefon (Armada 50WDG)
  • [M03] Mancozeb
  • [12] Fludioxonil (Medallion WDG)
  • [3] Tebuconazole (Torque)BW

DISCLAIMER: The label is the law, always refer to it for allowable host crops, use-restrictions, application rates, reapplication intervals, re-entry intervals (REI), and mix compatibility information. Production and pesticide information on this site are for private/commercial pesticide applicators and landscape professionals only, and are NOT for home gardener use. Provided materials represent examples and do not cover all possible control scenarios. Trade-names listed do not imply endorsement and are used as examples only. Please contact your local agent or chemical sales representative for more information or to discuss additional pest management options.

Resources 

Background on the pathogen: 

There will be another post pertaining to insect development tomorrow (5/12/22)

Increasing temperatures = scout for insects pests! 2022 Nursery and Conifer Pest Scouting Guides HERE

With the increases in daily temperature averages expected over the next week for the southern and central areas of NJ, pest scouting should commence on commercially important ornamental crops and landscapes. Typically, in our region, growing degree-days (GDD50) are counted beginning March 1st (known as a biofix date), however this year by March first we may see degree-day accumulation approaching 20+. Therefor scouting efforts should be commenced, especially in conifers. 

We have compiled the GDD resources into one single document – please download and print multiple copies of this for yourself and employees in efforts to best scout for these insect pests. These guides do not dictate when to spray, rather they inform scouting ranges for insect pests, vulnerable life-stages, and overlapping timeframes for multiple troublesome pests.

Download here:

Nursery and Landscape Pest Scouting Guide 2022 PDF (note this contains conifer pests as well)

Conifer Pest Scouting Guide 2022 PDF

Refer to this post “Obtaining your local growing degree-days” for additional information 

We will be making regular announcements throughout the season, however we wanted you to have this beta-version of the compiled growing-degree day information. This will be updated and modified throughout the season – PLEASE let me know what difference you are seeing in the field so we can continue to make this resource better for all of us.   

Contact: twaller@njaes.rutgers.edu (or call the Cumberland County Extension Office – 856-451-2800)

Growing degree-days as of writing this (using USPEST.org weather station codes):

  • Southern (NJ50): 13
  • Central (NJ10): 13
  • Northeastern (Greater NYC Metro area (D6302) and Northwestern (NJ59): 0

Crop type

Common Name

Scientific Name

GDD Min (50F)

GDD Max (95F)

Reference

Developmental / Target Stage

Conifer
Conifer rust mites
Eriophyidae
7
22
4
Overwintering eggs hatch
Pomes, Stone fruit
European red mite
Panonychus ulmi
7
58
2
1st adults active
Conifer
White pine weevil
Pissodes strobi
7
58
RU
Overwintering adults become active / prevent egg laying
Deciduous
Oystershell scale
Lepidosaphes ulmi
7
91
2
Spring control of overwintering stage
Deciduous, Yew
Cottony camellia / taxus scale
Pulvinaria floccifera
7
91
5
Spring control of overwintering stage
Many
Southern red mite
Oligonychus ilicis
7
91
5
Overwintering eggs hatch
Conifer
Taxus mealybug
Dysmicoccus wistariae
7
91
2
Spring control of overwintering stage
Oaks
Kermes oak scales
Kermes spp.
7
91
2
Spring control of overwintering stage
Conifer
Elongate hemlock scale
Fiorinia externa
7
120
2
Spring control of overwintering stage
Many
Aphids
Aphidoidea
7
120
2
Spring control of overwintering stage
Conifer
Spruce spider mite
Oligonychus ununguis
7
121
RU
Overwintering eggs hatch
Oaks
Golden oak scale
Asterolecanium variolosum
7
121
5
Spring control of overwintering stage
Conifer
Pales weevil
Hylobius pales
7
121
RU
Overwintering adults become active / prevent egg laying
Magnoliaceae
Tuliptree scale
Toumeyella liriodendri
12
121
2
Spring control of overwintering stage
Rhododendron, Azalea
Azalea lacebug
Stephanitis pyrioides
18
372
RU
Spring control of overwintering stage
White and Scotch Pine
White pine aphid
Cinara strobi
22
91
RU
Spring control of overwintering stage
Conifer
Pine bark adelgid
Pineus strobi
22
58
2
Spring control of overwintering stage
Magnoliaceae
Magnolia scale
Neolecanium cornuparvum
22
91
2
Spring control of overwintering stage
Conifer
Spruce bud scale
Physokermes piceae
22
120
2
Spring control of overwintering stage
Conifer
Juniper scale
Carulaspis juniperi
22
148
2
Spring control of overwintering stage