Weekly Report 5/6/24

Each week we’ll provide a short summary of trap captures and pest activity in orchards from across NY State. Look for more detail and regionally-specific management recommendations from your local CCE and regional teams.

This week’s updates include an uptick in two of the critical lepidopteran pests: Oriental Fruit Moth (OFM) and Codling Moth (CM). Across the state phenology and degree days are near (Hudson Valley and Northeastern NY) or nearly two weeks ahead of averages (Western NY), according to regional specialists’ updates and the Climate Smart Farming Tool Degree Day Calculator created by Cornell.

Now is the time of year to be checking traps and recording the first biofixes for economically significant insects. Many orchards across the state are now in bloom or will be approaching it soon. It’s a good time to be placing the first traps. Oriental fruit moth (OFM) and codling moth (CM) are among the first lepidopteran insects to be active. OFM Biofix was established over the past few weeks in most parts of the state.

Oriental Fruit Moth. Biofixes were set for OFM in many parts of the state last week or the week before. The biofix for OFM is the ‘sustained trap capture’ or two consecutive weeks of trap captures. Record this date for your orchard, so that you can use it in the NEWA model to predict egg laying, hatch and larval emergence for your insecticide application timing.

Codling Moth. Codling moth (CM) first trap captures were reported in a few locations this week, including our research stations, where there is a significant population for monitoring. CM has not been captured at most places throughout the state at this point. It is a good time to be deploying traps if you have not already.

Obliquebanded Leafroller. This pest is slightly different than OFM and CM, in that it overwinters as larvae rather that pupae, in protected areas. These caterpillars become active early in the spring, and we have detected activity in ENY and WNY over the past couple of weeks in clusters. Adults will be active soon after bloom, and traps should be set at that time.

Spongy Moth. In addition to lepidopteran pests that have been economically significant historically, this week we’re also seeing an increase in spongy moth (previously gypsy moth). This insect has been found feeding on clusters and flowers, and has been particularly active in the Hudson Valley. It is a good idea to be scouting for them now.  More information about spongy moth emergence can be found on the National Phenology Network (NPN) Spongy Moth Forecast website and the NYSIPM Spongy Moth website.

Phenology & Degree Day Accumulations for NY NEWA Stations from 1/1 -5/6

Upcoming Phenology & Pest Events

Reference: Table 7.1.4. Degree-day accumulations (from Jan. 1) corresponding to selected fruit phenology and
arthropod pest events. Cornell Tree Fruit Guidelines.