Source: NCSU COOPERATIVE EXTENSION, 8/6/19


Key insects of concern this week including brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) and apple maggot. While we are observing typical late-season OFM increases on the research station, populations are quite low in most commercial orchards. Based on degree-day accumulations, codling moth is at the tail end of second generation flight in the mountains, and at early stage egg hatch of the third generation in the piedmont region. However, first and second generation codling moth populations have been so low that the potential for damage by the third generation is very low.

BMSB pheromone trap captures continue to be high in the piedmont, indicating that a large first generation adult population continues to be present in that region. Surprisingly, trap captures did not increase in Henderson County orchards as expected. Based on degree-day accumulations, first generation adult emergence is underway, so it is assumed that overall populations are considerably lower in the mountains compared to piedmont locations. Nonetheless, insecticide sprays targeting BMSB would be wise at this time, particularly on the most susceptible varieties.

Apple maggot trap captures remain at moderate intensities at our abandoned site in Henderson County, but are virtually 0 at the Research Station and commercial orchards. Hence, those orchards near abandoned sites are likely at greatest risk of damage. If using a pyrethroid for BMSB control at this time, that will also control apple maggot.

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