Overall, insect populations are quite low throughout the area. Codling moth and oriental fruit moth trap captures remain low, and there is very little evidence of damaged fruit. Based on model predictions, approximately 50% of first generation brown marmorated stink bug adults have emerged in Henderson and Wilkes Counties, and almost 90% in lower elevations in Cleveland County. However, pheromone trap captures remain surprisingly low. In past years, adult captures were considerably higher at similar DD accumulations. High temperatures during the main egg laying period in mid June and early July may have played a role in suppressing populations.

Finally, apple maggot populations in Henderson County remain very low. However, populations can vary considerably among locations. In fact, Doug Hundley reported high captures of flies during the past few weeks on red sphere traps in Avery County orchards at elevations of about 3500 ft. It should be noted that orchards located at elevations greater than about 2700 ft have consistently had higher populations than lower elevation orchards.

Peachtree Borer Control

There have been questions regarding how to control peachtree borer now that Lorsban is no longer registered on bearing trees. The only insecticide with PTB on the label is Asana. The labeled rate ranges from 4.8 to 14.5 oz per acre, and applications directed trunk sprays. Two applications at 14-21 days may be necessary.

Learn more about southeastern apple insect pests at the Apple Insect Management page.

2022 Average Weekly Trap Captures

*Note that these averages illustrate only the timing of insect emergence and fluctuations in populations, and are not representative of population levels in any given orchard. The only way to have an accurate assessment of an individual orchard’s populations is to set up traps in that orchard.

2022 Accumulated Degree Days

About degree-day models

2022 Pest Trends (click to enlarge)