By Clint Thompson Southeast grape producers should be mindful that the time is now to manage spotted wing drosophila (SWD) flies. Doing so will help suppress sour rot in grapes that are susceptible. Brett Blaauw, assistant professor at the University of Georgia (UGA) College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, noted in the UGA Extension Viticulture Blog, that the flies are active …
Chlorpyrifos Clarification: Insecticide Can Be Applied to Non-Bearing Peach Trees
By Clint Thompson Chlorpyrifos can legally be used to manage peachtree borers in late variety orchards that are not being harvested or were harvested early. Brett Blaauw, assistant professor at the University of Georgia (UGA) College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, confirmed the news in the UGA Extension Peach Blog. “As long as they don’t expect to harvest fruits within …
Peach Tree Management: Growers Should Manage Borer Insects
By Clint Thompson Peach tree growers suffered through a disastrous season due to unforeseen weather conditions in February and March. Despite those various challenges, producers need to continue maintaining their orchards for future yields. This is especially true for insects like peachtree and lesser peachtree borer, says Brett Blaauw, assistant professor at the University of Georgia (UGA) College of Agricultural …
Second Peak of San Jose Scale Activity Expected
By Clint Thompson Peach producers should be wary of a second peak of San Jose scale crawler activity, according to Brett Blaauw, assistant professor at the University of Georgia (UGA) College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. “With the weather starting to come back to whatever normal is and cool down a little bit, I think that will allow the development …
Mating Disruptions for Grape Root Borer
By Clint Thompson Now is the time in the production season that grape root borer adults begin emerging. Growers need to implement mating disruption now as a management tactic, says Brett Blaauw, assistant professor at the University of Georgia (UGA) College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences in the UGA Extension Viticulture Blog. Grape root borers tunnel into larger roots and …
San Jose Scale Management Begins Now
By Clint Thompson The first peak of San Jose scale activity is occurring now in Georgia peach orchards. Growers should be proactive in beginning their insecticide applications, says Brett Blaauw, assistant professor at the University of Georgia (UGA) College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences “We’re just at the beginning of the first real activity period,” Blaauw said. “Most of the …
Weed Management Key to Grape Root Borer Control
By Clint Thompson A management practice as simple as weed control can help grape producers reduce grape root borer populations. The grape root borer is an annual pest that can devastate a grape crop. Its larvae feed on the roots of grape vines. They have a two-year life cycle and will feed underground on the roots for nearly 22 months. …
Potential Solution for Grape Root Borers?
By Clint Thompson There could be another tool in the toolbox for producers in the management of grape root borers. Brett Blaauw, assistant professor at the University of Georgia (UGA) College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, has one year of research in studying entomopathogenic nematodes. He discussed the positive impact the nematodes had on the grape pests. “At least the …
San Jose Scale Management: Horticultural Oil Applications Key for Peach Producers
By Clint Thompson Horticultural oil applications are essential this winter for peach producers hoping to manage San Jose scale insects. Brett Blaauw, assistant professor at the University of Georgia (UGA) College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, says the warm winter conditions across Southeast aid the scale’s development. Growers can ill-afford to miss an application. “Getting ready for their dormant applications …