Source: NCSU COOPERATIVE EXTENSION, 7/14/20


Overall direct insect pest populations remain relatively low throughout the region, while populations of key secondary pests such as European red mite and leafhoppers are becoming more prevalent. In lower elevations of the piedmont, first generation brown marmorated stink bug will begin emerging later this week.

Codling Moth
In lower elevations near Cleveland and Lincoln Counties, codling moth degree day accumulations average 1830 DD since biofix, which coincides with about 60% egg hatch of the second generation. If trap captures remain low and there is no evidence of damage, the potential for populations to flare up at this time are very low. In Henderson County at an elevation of about 2100 ft, cumulative DD since biofix are only about 1275. Emergence of second generation adults picks up between 1400-1450 DD, which is predicted to occur early next week. For those using mating disruption for codling moth and OFM, it is unlikely that insecticides are needed for this generation, although pheromone trap captures should be the determining factor.

Brown Marmorated Stink Bug
As shown in the figure below, first generation BMSB adult emergence is predicted to begin by the end of this week in the Cleveland/Lincoln County area (1,000 ft elevation). Emergence begins at about 700 DD (predicted in this area for July 18), and by July 21 predicted DD accumulations are 735, which coincides with emergence of about 7% of the population. Insecticide applications for BMSB (see below) should be considered next week in those areas with a history of BMB problems.

Emergence of first generation adults is still at least three weeks away in higher elevations (>2000 ft). Degree-day accumulations at the MHCREC in Henderson County (2080 ft) is only at 435 DD as of July 14, and is predicted to be 495 in a week.

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