We are near the end of the threat of first generation codling moth throughout the region. Codling moth cumulative degree days are about 800 in Henderson County and similar elevations, and sprays at this time are typically only needed in those orchards with consistently high populations. In lower elevations such as Cleveland County (about 800 ft elevation), degree day accumulations are nearly 1150, which coincides with completion of first generation egg hatch. Egg hatch of the second generation is expected to begin in about 7 to 10 days.
This is a period where there are few direct pests that need to be managed, and insecticide applications targeting secondary pests should be based on scouting. European red mite (ERM), potato leafhopper and aphids are all active at this time, and sprays targeting these insects should be based on scouting. Among these pests, ERM is probably most common, and there have been reports from several orchards with populations warranting miticide applications. At this time a threshold of 5 to 10 mites per leaf is recommended. If no predatory mites are detected at 5 mites per leaf, there is a good chance that ERM populations will continue to build and that a miticide application will be necessary to suppress them. It should be noted that abundant predatory mites have provided good biological control in many orchards for the past two years.
