Source: Jim Walgenbach, NCSU COOPERATIVE EXTENSION, 5/1/19


By now petal fall applications have been made in most locations except for the highest elevation orchards (e.g., ≥3000 feet), and attention can now move to other pests – especially the codling moth.

Codling Moth:  Codling moth biofix date in Henderson County (elevation about 2100 ft) occurred on 15 April. Typically biofix occurs about a week earlier off the mountain in Cleveland and Lincoln Counties (about 900ft), and is estimated to have occurred on 8 April. Codling moth egg hatch begins at about 250 cumulative degree days (DD), which is the recommended timing of first insecticide applications in orchards with moderate to high populations. For orchards with low populations, which is the more common situation, the initial timing can be delayed to about 350 DD.

In Henderson County we are currently at about 133 DD, and 250 DD is estimated to occur next Monday (May 6) and 350 DD on May 11. Off the mountain at an elevation of about 900 ft (Cleveland/Lincoln County), we are currently at about 300 DD and 350 is predicted for later this week on Friday or Saturday (May 3 or 4).

For the full story, click here.