Caseload at the UW Insect Diagnostic Lab (IDL) has increased slightly over the last two weeks.  Reports to the diagnostic lab are expected to increase further over the next two weeks with warmer temperatures in the forecast.  A summary of recent fruit crop insects reported to the UW Insect Diagnostic Lab as well as important insects to scout for can be found below:

San Jose Scale: I recently handled a sample of San Jose Scale from northeastern Wisconsin.  If it hasn’t been done yet, scouting for scale insects in orchards can be easier before trees produce leaves.  With any scale insects, knowing the exact type is extremely helpful for management purposes to be able to target the vulnerable crawler stage.  For San Jose Scales, the first generation of crawlers is often active in early to mid-June. 

Brown marmorated stink bug: Over the last two weeks I’ve continued to receive scattered reports of brown marmorated stink bug adults at the IDL.  Most of these cases came from south-central and southeastern Wisconsin.  I also saw my first confirmed report of BMSB from Grant county in southwestern Wisconsin.  BMSB has now been confirmed from 40 Wisconsin counties—mostly in the southern half of the state.

Watch for Eastern tent caterpillars:  Cool temperatures have delayed the appearance of eastern tent caterpillars and I have not yet received any reports at the IDL.  However, based on forecasts from the USA National Phenology Network, caterpillar emergence is expected to begin in southern Wisconsin within the next 7 days. 

Watch for Spongy moth (formerly known as “gypsy moth”): Similar to the eastern tent caterpillar, I have not yet received any reports of spongy moth activity at the IDL.  However, based on the USA National Phenology Network forecasts, caterpillar emergence is expected to begin in southern Wisconsin within the next 1-2 weeks.

Watch for other orchard insects: While I have not had any samples at the IDL, the DATCP Pest Survey’s most recent issue of Field Notes has indicated activity of both redbanded leafroller and spotted tentiform leafminer.  Activity of these and other orchard pests is expected to increase in the near future with warmer temperatures.

Pollinator activity: I’ve started getting many reports of spring pollinator activity from around the state, especially solitary bees such as mining bees and cellophane bees.  Growers and crop managers should be aware of pollinator activity to minimize negative impacts to these beneficial insects.

Reminder about diagnostic support from the IDL: Growers and consultants in need of insect diagnostic services are always welcome to submit a sample to the UW Insect Diagnostic Lab.  Lab services are provided free of charge.  You can find additional information about the IDL here: insectlab.russell.wisc.edu

This article was posted in Insects and tagged Brown Marmorated Stink Bug, eastern tent caterpillar, insects, orchard insects, PJ Liesch, San Jose scale, spongy moth.