Source: NCSU COOPERATIVE EXTENSION, 7/7/20


For the most part insect activity is relatively low throughout the western region, including the piedmont and mountain production areas. With the exception of emergence of second generation codling moth adults in lower elevation orchards in the piedmont, and a slight uptick in oriental fruit moth captures (but overall very low), the biggest concerns at this time are key secondary pests such as European red mite, leafhoppers and aphids. Initial captures of apple maggot flies in an abandoned orchard were detected in the past week, but numbers are still very low and not of concern in commercial orchards. In addition to the codling moth update below, this week we are also beginning to provide updates on model predictions for emergence of first generation brown marmorated stink bug, which poses the greatest threat to apples.

Codling Moth
Second generation codling moth degree day (DD) accumulations in Lincoln and Cleveland Counties is about 1575 as of July 7. Hence, an insecticide active against this pest should be considered at this time if moths have been captured in pheromone traps. If pheromone traps are not being used, you should assume there is activity in your orchard.

In higher elevations such as Henderson County, DD accumulations average only about 1090, so we are still approximately two weeks away from anticipated emergence of the second generation. Insecticides for codling moth are not necessary at this time, except for those few problem orchards where pheromone trap captures remain high.

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