Based on the brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) phenology model, 20 to 25% of first generation adults have emerged in Henderson County and at locations with similar or higher elevation. While overall adult captures in pheromone traps have been low, there are a few locations where numbers are relatively high – about 10 per trap. If concerned about potential damage to fruit, an insecticide application should be made at this time if one has not already been made in the past 7 to 10 days (see insecticide recommendations in last week's posting). Typically, control is most important on cultivars harvested after Labor Day, especially Fuji, Granny Smith, Pink Lady and Red Delicious.
Mid-August is also a time when Oriental fruit moth (OFM) populations sometimes begin to increase. Populations can remain high through September if not managed. OFM is of least concern in orchards that use mating disruption and/or apply a pyrethroid for BMSB. Hence, an insecticide should be considered in orchards not falling under one of these two categories and where pheromone trap captures exceed 10 to 15 adults per trap per week. CheckMate OFM-F, a sprayable formulation of OFM pheromone for mating disruption, is another option for managing this insect. A single application now should be sufficient for the remainder of the season. Before BMSB became a pest and when late-season pyrethroids were not used, sprayable OFM pheromone was a relatively common and successful practice.
