Event Title
Armored scale (Diaspididae) outbreaks in Massachusetts cranberry
Start Date
30-8-2017 8:30 AM
End Date
30-8-2017 8:45 AM
Description
Abstract.
Elevated populations of several new insect pests proved challenging to pest management programs that aimed to reduce inputs or eliminate broad-spectrum insecticides. Over the past 5 years, two species of armored scale, Dearness scale and more importantly Putnam scale, swept across a quarter of the MA cranberry acreage. Injury created multiple dead areas on beds. Management relied on an organophosphate spray at onset of bloom and timing was tricky, targeting the short-lived and vulnerable crawler stage. Additionally, over two different seasons, two species of tiny chrysomelid beetle, still unidentified, formed huge populations that fed on new growth and flowers. In 2017, sharp-nosed leafhoppers flooded sweep net samples at two sites, creating concern that blunt-nosed leafhopper, the vector of the phytoplasma that causes false blossom, would also soon be discovered. There are huge advantages to grower adoption of selective insecticides, but unexpected outbreaks may continue to disrupt our best-laid plans.
Recommended Citation
Averill, Anne and Sylvia, Martha, "Armored scale (Diaspididae) outbreaks in Massachusetts cranberry" (2017). North American Cranberry Researcher and Extension Workers Conference. 23.
https://scholarworks.umass.edu/nacrew/2017/papers/23
Armored scale (Diaspididae) outbreaks in Massachusetts cranberry
Abstract.
Elevated populations of several new insect pests proved challenging to pest management programs that aimed to reduce inputs or eliminate broad-spectrum insecticides. Over the past 5 years, two species of armored scale, Dearness scale and more importantly Putnam scale, swept across a quarter of the MA cranberry acreage. Injury created multiple dead areas on beds. Management relied on an organophosphate spray at onset of bloom and timing was tricky, targeting the short-lived and vulnerable crawler stage. Additionally, over two different seasons, two species of tiny chrysomelid beetle, still unidentified, formed huge populations that fed on new growth and flowers. In 2017, sharp-nosed leafhoppers flooded sweep net samples at two sites, creating concern that blunt-nosed leafhopper, the vector of the phytoplasma that causes false blossom, would also soon be discovered. There are huge advantages to grower adoption of selective insecticides, but unexpected outbreaks may continue to disrupt our best-laid plans.