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

Eastern Tent Caterpillars: Reports of eastern tent caterpillars from around the state continue to come into the diagnostic lab, but these caterpillars should be nearly done for the year as they’ll be pupating soon.  Field observations suggest that populations have been lower than usual in some parts of southern Wisconsin.

Gypsy Moth: The UW Insect Diagnostic Lab has received nearly a dozen reports of gypsy moth caterpillars from around the state over the last two weeks.  This species can feed on a wide range of trees, including fruit trees.  Landscape trees, such as oaks, are often a preferred host.

Rose chafers: This first reports of rose chafers came into the UW Insect Diagnostic Lab this past week.  These native scarab beetles can be localized and are found in parts of the state with sandy soil.  Rose chafers can feed on a wide range of fruit crops, including pome fruits, stone fruits, and grapes.  These beetles tend to nibble around tougher veins in foliage, resulting in “skeletonization” damage.  Growers with a history of this insects should be on alert for the next month while these insects are active. 

Grape plume moth: A few reports of grape plume moth recently came into the UW Insect Diagnostic Lab from southern Wisconsin.

Currant insects: A common insect of currants in spring is the “imported currantworm” (Nematus ribesii), a non-native sawfly species.  Recently, the diagnostic lab has seen several cases of the “green currantworm” (Pristiphora appendiculata) causing damage to currants in the state.  A case of the currant spanworm (Macaria ribearia)—a conspicuously colored black, white, and yellow inchworm—recently came in from southern Wisconsin.  All three insects have the potential to cause defoliation of currants and gooseberries.

Plum curculio: Oviposition scars have been reported from both pome and stone fruits around the state recently.

Slugs: Slugs have been reported on strawberries in southern Wisconsin.  Rainy conditions can favor slug populations.

This article was posted in Insects and tagged currant insects, eastern tent caterpillar, grape plume moth, gypsy moth, Insect Diagnostic Lab, insects, Plum curculio, slug.