The UW Insect Diagnostic Lab is experiencing “typical” summer caseloads at the moment.  Despite the heavy caseload, turnaround time on samples is still 1-2 days in most cases.

A summary of fruit crop samples submitted to the IDL over the last two weeks can be found below:

Aphids: The lab has recently seen aphid cases from a range of fruit crops.  The commonest aphids seed have been elder aphids on elderberry and black cherry aphids on cherries.  Additional aphid species have been seen on tree fruit.  Aphid cases have come in from across the state.  In most cases, natural enemies (predators and parasites) have also been present and growers are encouraged to assess populations of natural enemies before implementing management actions.

Pearleaf blister mites: Several samples of pearleaf blister mite have recently been seen at the IDL.  Samples have mostly been from southern and eastern Wisconsin to date.

Spotted wing Drosophila & Other Fruit flies:  The IDL has not seen any confirmed cases of SWD yet this year.  However, growers with a history of SWD issues should keep an eye out for these insects.  Other Drosophilid fruit flies have been submitted to the IDL recently and these common scavengers are associated with damaged/compromised fruits and decaying organic materials.

Spittlebugs: A few cases of spittlebugs on fruit crops from southern Wisconsin have recently been seen at the IDL.  On strawberries, spittlebugs can be an occasional pest if populations are high enough.  In many cases, spittlebugs are present in low numbers and treatments are not needed.

Fruitworms: A few cases of fruitworm caterpillars have recently been seen from southern Wisconsin. 

Pear psylla: A few recent cases of pear psylla nymphs have been seen at the lab from southern and eastern Wisconsin.

Looking ahead: No reports of Japanese beetles have been received this year.  However, based on growing degree days, this common pest will likely start to emerge in southern Wisconsin in the coming weeks.  Growers should add Japanese beetle to their scouting efforts.

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 insect, Insect Diagnostic Lab, PJ Liesch.