Caseload at the UW Insect Diagnostic Lab has started to decline over the last two weeks.  A summary of fruit crop pests recently submitted to the UW Insect Diagnostic Lab can be found below:

Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica): Reports of Japanese beetle activity coming into the UW Insect Diagnostic Lab have dropped off dramatically over the last two weeks.  While adults can technically be spotted into early October at times, we’re now through the period of highest beetle pressure.  Remaining adult beetle numbers will be declining in the coming days.

Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (Halyomorpha halys): Reports of brown marmorated stink bugs continue to come in from southern and southeastern Wisconsin.  By now, late stage nymphs (juveniles) and adults are being spotted.  These stink bugs can feed on a wide range of fruit crops and can also be a concern at the time of harvest for some crops as they can be a contamination issue for fruit pressed for wine, cider, or similar.   

Spotted Wing Drosophila (Drosphila suzukii): Reports at the UW Insect Diagnostic Lab indicate that SWD remains active around Wisconsin.  Growers of late-season berry crops should remain alert.

Damage noticed at the time of harvest: With harvest time approaching, the UW Insect Diagnostic Lab has seen many recent reports of damage noticed at the time of harvest from insects such as the plum curculio and codling moth.

Nuisance scavengers at the time of harvest: fruits that have been compromised by disease, insect feeding, or physical/mechanical injury can act as a source of readily available sugars which can attract nuisance scavengers.  I’m starting to receive reports from around the state of nuisance insects such as multicolored Asian lady beetles, bumble flower beetles, social wasps (such as yellowjackets), and other insects.  These insects can pose potential contamination issues or sting concerns.  These insects will remain active until colder temperatures limit their activity for the year.

This article was posted in Insects and tagged Asian Lady Beetle, Brown Marmorated Stink Bug, bumble flower beetles, Codling Moth, Insect Diagnostic Lab, insects, Japanese Beetles, PJ Liesch, Plum curculio, social wasps, Spotted Wing Drosophila, yellowjackets.