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Last week we introduced Field Notes, a new email update from the DATCP Pest Survey Program. The purpose of this e-newsletter is to deliver results directly from our field surveys, inspections, and lab work to your inbox.
Field Notes offers the familiar pest monitoring data and maps you have come to expect from DATCP, along with current, concise articles on economically important plant pests affecting Wisconsin’s field crops, fruits, vegetables, nurseries, and forests. Our new format is tailored to meet the needs of busy staff and busy readers.
Although a lingering cold, wet spring weather pattern has delayed the start of the 2022 growing season, reports from our pest monitoring networks confirm insect emergence is underway. Next week’s summer-like warmth should improve conditions for planting and promote a burst of insect activity.
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Black cutworm moths | K. Hamilton DATCP
 
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Black cutworm moths arrived in significant numbers this week. The DATCP network of 30 pheromone traps collected 163 moths during the reporting period ending May 5. Intense flights were documented at five of the 30 sites. An “intense” capture of nine or more moths in two nights indicates a large flight has occurred and that a corresponding increase in cutworm egg laying can be expected. The first intense flight also marks the point to begin counting degree days to forecast the peak seedling corn damage window. From the date of an intense capture, an average of 300 degree days (modified base 50°F) is required for the black cutworm to develop from the egg stage to the damaging fourth-instar larval stage.
The black cutworm migrates northward each spring from overwintering areas near the Gulf of Mexico and Texas. When appropriate weather systems occur, the moths can reach Wisconsin from Texas in only two days. The first moths were recorded in traps on April 11 this spring and the cumulative count as of May 5 is 216 moths. This total count is well below the 675 moths captured by the same time last year. A forecast of the peak seedling corn damage window will be issued next week. |
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Codling moth trap liner | NC State Extension
 
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DATCP has published insect counts from apple orchards throughout the state continuously for over 35 years. Many of our program volunteers are dedicated, long-term cooperators who have contributed data for a decade or more. Several cooperators have even participated for more than 20 years. The counts provided by our Apple Pest Monitoring Network each week are a valuable IPM tool all Wisconsin apple growers can use to better understand the timing of insect development and life cycle events.
For the 2022 growing season, 28 cooperating orchards are supplying data on the emergence, flight activity and abundance of seven insect pests of concern to the state’s apple industry. The list of target pests include apple maggot (AM), codling moth (CM), dogwood borer (DWB), lesser peach tree borer (LPTB), obliquebanded leafroller (OBLR), redbanded leafroller (RBLR) and spotted tentiform leafminer (STLM). Currently, the RBLR and STLM are the only two species active in orchards. Counts have been very low as of May 5, although an abrupt increase in numbers is expected in the week ahead.
Apple growers who participate in our program report higher confidence in the timing and effectiveness of their pest management programs, along with an overall reduction in seasonal insecticide use. Anyone interested in learning more about the program may email Krista Hamilton, DATCP Entomologist, at Krista.Hamilton@wi.gov. |
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Spongy moth larvae | DATCP
 
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Egg hatch of spongy moth, formerly known as gypsy moth, is expected to begin May 5-10 in southern Wisconsin. This estimated range is about two weeks behind both last year and the 20-year average. Phenological indicators of spongy moth egg hatch include first bloom of eastern redbud and petal-fall of saucer magnolia.
Aerial spray treatments of Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Btk) directed against the newly emerged first and second instar spongy moth caterpillars will likely start during the third week of May. The earliest start date in the more than 30-year history of the Wisconsin spongy moth treatment program was April 26 in 2012, while the latest was May 23 in 2011.
DATCP plans to treat sites in 17 western Wisconsin counties for spongy moth this year. Control efforts will be focused in areas where populations are still low or beginning to build. The following counties are scheduled to receive aerial treatments: Barron, Bayfield, Buffalo, Burnett, Chippewa, Crawford, Dunn, Eau Claire, Grant, La Crosse, Lafayette, Pepin, Rusk, Sawyer, Trempealeau, Vernon, and Washburn.
Where spongy moth is established, it has been a periodic public nuisance and damaging forest pest. Its harmful effects include the cost of removing dead trees, potential loss of property value and irritation of the eyes, skin, and respiratory system in humans caused by the allergenic bristly skins shed by the caterpillars. Aerial treatments are the most efficient and effective method to delay the impacts associated with spongy moth establishment and outbreaks.
To receive up-to-date information on treatment plans:
- Sign up for email updates
- Call the hotline at (800) 642-MOTH
- Email questions to spongymoth@wisconsin.gov
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