By Clint Thompson
Southeast pecan producers are on the cusp of harvesting this year’s crop. Growers should stay vigilant with their insecticide sprays, especially in areas that have been void of the rainfall in recent days.
Apurba Barman, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension pecan entomologist, discussed pest management and what insects that producers should currently be mindful of.
“Right now, we have black pecan aphids infesting the trees. Growers are already spraying for black pecan aphids. On top of that, if we have this dry, hot weather continuing, then we might get into the spider mite situation at some point. I’m telling the growers not to use any chemicals that can aggravate the spider mites,” Barman said.
“There are some orchards where growers may experience stink bug issues. Our row crops are getting to an end, and stink bugs or leaffooted bugs might be flying into the orchards. For those, the best chemical is bifenthrin or the pyrethroids. But when you do pyrethroid applications, it can flare both aphids and mites. Basically, you have to pick your battle there. The important thing is the aphids, not the stink bugs. If the growers can keep the aphids under control, then they should be in good shape.
“They can tolerate the stink bugs, but not the aphids.”