Stink Bug, Codling Moth and Oriental Fruit Moth Updates from Drs. Greg Krawczyk and Larry Hull

Brown marmorated stinkbug (BMSB) adults are actively feeding in apple orchards. Even blocks with already harvested fruit seem to be serving as locations to harbor migrating BMSB adults. Just before the BMSB adults will start invading all kinds of dwellings in their search for overwintering shelters, they will try to feed on any food available. And with fruit still being around, our orchards may represent the best source of available nutrients. At this moment big numbers of older BMSB nymphs (4th and 5th instar) and adults are present on soybean and corn plants as well as wild ornamental trees in the vicinity of many orchards. As we go into fall, we expect that the movement of BMSB adults and pre-overwintering intensive feeding by BMSB adults from outside hosts into orchards will become the main source of injuries of fruit. While the nymphal feeding in most orchards was effectively reduced by well-timed insecticide treatments, the feeding by continuously wandering BMSB adults is more difficult to control. With about 4 to 5 more weeks of the current growing season to go, it is extremely important that growers continue to stay vigilant and respond immediately when the pressure from incoming BMSB adults starts to increase. Although it varies for each cultivar, right now is the time for the use of the most effective options, with the shortest pre-harvest interval (PHI). Not every orchard will need special BMSB treatments but very detailed visual observations are necessary to assess the real need for these treatments. The August issue of the Fruit Times Newsletter (http://extension.psu.edu/fruit-times/news/2011/pressure-from-stink-bugs-continues-in-apple-orchards) provides suggestions for a late season stink bug control.