Source: NCSU COOPERATIVE EXTENSION, 5/10/22

Codling Moth and San Jose Scale
With petal fall sprays complete, the insects of interest during the next few weeks are first generation codling moth and San Jose scale. San Jose scale management options were discussed in last week’s update.

Codling Moth
The codling moth degree-day (DD) model is an excellent tool for timing insecticide applications, while pheromone trap captures can help determine the frequency of applications over the next three to four weeks. Under moderate to high populations, which are usually associated with some damage the previous year and pheromone trap captures greater than 5 to 10 per week, an initial insecticide application should be made about 250 DD after biofix. Under low population densities, initial application can be delayed until about 350 DD. Biofix in Cleveland County (1000 ft elevation) and Henderson County (2000 ft elevation) occurred on 15 and 22 April, respectively. Wilkes County is generally between these dates, depending on elevation of the orchard. As of 9 May, cumulative DD were 340 DD in Cleveland Co. and 210 in Henderson Co. NOTE: In orchards using mating disruption for codling moth, a single insecticide application at approximately 600 DD is recommended, which will coincide with timing for tufted apple bud moth.

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