We are now beginning to detect plum curculio and San Jose scale crawlers in Fort Valley.

While they were likely active weeks earlier, we detected our first plum curculio within the orchard on 4-13-17.

Plum curculio adult

Similarly, scale crawlers are emerging and becoming very active. In orchards where oil was applied we are finding very few crawlers, but in an unmanaged research plot the number of crawlers is impressive (see image below from 4-14-17). We are likely nearing peak activity of the crawlers, so it would be a good idea to check blocks that had previous scale problems for scale activity to see whether an insecticide application is necessary.

San Jose scale crawlers on double sided tape

 

Please contact Brett if you have any questions.