-7- 



Unfortunately these new pesticides have been introduced for orchard use more 

 rapidly than they can be completely evaluated for local conditions. Some con- 

 fusion is unavoidable, but such is progress. 



— ¥. D. iMlhitcomb 



Waltham Field Station 



-'J- -;r- -^ 



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 ORCHARD INSECT CCNTRGL - Summer 19U9 



At this writing, early in July, Massachusetts apple growers must continue spray 

 and dust programs designated to control Apple Maggot, second brood Codling !,ioth, 

 Red-banded Leaf roller and European Red Mite. Two-spotted Mite, Bud i.ioth, Leaf- 

 hopper and Aphids also may require treatment in some orchards. These pests, even 

 the more common ones, are not present to the same extent in all orchards and there- 

 fore, it becomes very important for each grower to know v;hat insects or mites he 

 must control. Judging by experiences in 19U8 and by observations made in V)h9 » 

 Apple Maggot, Red-banded Leaf roller. Mites and Codling Moth head the list. The 

 importance of Apple Maggot in your orchard must be based largely upon past history 

 and the possibility of migrants from surrounding areas. If dropped, '.vormy apples 

 can be foimd in your orchard during mid- and late July, then a second brood of 

 C -Iling Moth is an August threat. Mites must be watched almost daily to detect 

 tneir presence in serious numbers before yellowing or bronzing of the foliage occurs. 

 Examine both sides of the leaves since damage by Tvro-spotted Mite shows first on 

 lower surfaces. The Red-banded Leaf roller is a serious threat wherever any sign 

 of first brood activity on fruit can be found. Every apple grower should examine 

 each block novir to determine the extent of the first brood damage to fruit and 

 leaves. Any first brood damage at all means even more serious damage from second 

 brood (and even third brood this season). In general this pest is more prevalent 

 in Massachusetts this year than in 19U8. 



Coverage and Sprays vs. Dusts - For Mites, Red-banded Leafroller and Bud Moth 

 both surfaces of foliage must be treated regardless of the insecticide being used. 

 For the latter two pests, especially the amount of insecticide applied to the under 

 surface of the leaves makes the difference between success and failure. Don't 

 griess — know how well you are covering as the sprays are applied. For Codling 

 Moth the fruit must be covered on all sides. Maggot control depends upon the 

 presence of the insecticide on upper surfaces of foliage, all sides of fruit and 

 on hedgerov/s and adjoining woods as well. Dusts may be depended upon for 

 controlling Maggot, light infestations of Codling Moth and probably mites if very 

 thorough. Dusts have a distinct advantage from the standpoint of residues at 

 harvest. Dusts usod to supplement a spray program are excellent for late Maggot 

 and Codling Moth and. help keep residues at a Iojzv level. Sprays must be used to 

 control Red-banded Leafroller successfully and are less expensive for materials 

 where mites must be controlled in addition to other posts. 



Timing - Apple Maggot flies will remain a threat until mid-August or even later if 

 raigr?.xits into the orchard are a problem. Peak abundance normally should occur 

 betvjeen July 10 and August 1. Second-brood Codling Moth larval entries should 

 occur in greatest abundance during the first two weeks in August. Mites may appear 



