Source: NCSU COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE, 8/7/18


Overall, insect populations are fairly low at this time, which is probably in part due to the heavy rains. Second generation codling moth flight is complete and trap captures are low throughout the region. While OFM populations can increase during the next several weeks, those numbers have also been quite low to date.

The two main insects of concern remain brown marmorated stink bug and apple maggot. First generation adult BMSB will continue to emerge over the next several weeks, but to date numbers have been fairly low. Apple maggot captures have been high for the past three weeks, and orchards near abandoned sites are at greatest risk. In those orchards where apple maggot is a potential concern, particularly with 'Golden Delicious,’ and pyrethroids are not being applied for BMSB, imidacloprid should be considered.

In areas with heavy hail damage and where apples are destined for processing or juice, some thought should go into whether or not it is economically wise to apply pyrethroids for BMSB control. These apples already have damage similar to stink bug, and it is doubtful that spraying for BMSB will increase the value of the fruit. In addition, avoiding pyrethroid applications this year should help natural enemy populations return to pre-2017 levels, and reduce the potential for European red mite, woolly apple, and San Jose scale outbreaks next year. Just some food for thought.

For more of this story, click here.