Apply Mating Disruption Dispensers Before First Moths Fly
Friday Feb 01, 2019
Mating disruption dispensers work by releasing synthetic pheromone which prevents or delays males from finding and mating with females. Therefore, dispensers need to be placed in your orchard before the first moths fly and mate. First moth flight (= biofix) occurs at around 175 DD. We recommend to place pheromone traps before first apple blossoms open or by 100 DD whichever comes first.
Delayed Dormant Sprays
Wednesday Jan 02, 2019
Dormant sprays are important for management of a wide range of pests including European red mite, woolly apple aphid, rosy and green apple aphids, and San Jose Scale. Most of these are easily controlled using a variety of materials, but if you are using oils, remember that good coverage is essential because they work by covering the egg stage and preventing respiration.
Which Leafroller Species is in Your Orchard?
Wednesday Jan 02, 2019
There are two leafrollers commonly found in Washington orchards: Pandemis leafroller (PLR) and Obliquebanded leafroller (OBLR). The phenology of the two species is quite different and you need to be sure which species you have for proper management and use the correct model on DAS. PLR used to be more common, but in the past 10 years, OBLR has displaced PLR from many of the production areas.
Delayed Dormant Sprays for Leafrollers
Wednesday Jan 02, 2019
Pandemis leafroller (PLR) and oblique-banded leafroller (OBLR) have different phenologies which are well documented on DAS. Delayed dormant sprays can work well for PLR, but are generally too early in the season for efficacy against larvae of OBLR.
Why Coverage and Calibration Matter
Wednesday Jan 02, 2019
Taking the time to ensure that your sprayer is properly calibrated will insure best control of pests and diseases and save time and money. Proper calibration of an airblast sprayer requires that tractor speed, water volume, and nozzle manifold arrangement be coordinated to achieve the best coverage under site-specific operating conditions. Driving too fast is the most common error made in airblast sprayer calibration.