Blackheaded Fireworm Update - July 13th, 2011

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Receiving some reports on Blackheaded Fireworm moth activity across the province so thought it was a good time to review scouting procedures and thresholds!

Pheromone traps should be checked and cleaned weekly – a build up of insects can reduce the efficacy of the trap and the bait concentration will decrease over time and should be replaced every 3 weeks or so. Remember to handle the bait capsules with disposable gloves and avoid cross contamination between traps. Locate traps in the field to adequately allow air movement through the trap to disperse the pheromone.

Timing of insecticides for the second generation of black-headed fireworm should coincide with egg hatch followed by a second treatment approximately 10 days later. If using a growth regulator product like ‘Confirm’, this is estimated to be approximately 2 weeks after the onset of moth flight, if using conventional insecticides the first application is made 10 days after peak moth capture.

Timing of insecticides for Sparganothis fruitworm should also coincide with the egg hatch stage, followed by a second treatment 10 days later. If using a growth regulator product like ‘Confirm’, egg hatch is estimated to be 3 weeks after moth flight begins, if using conventional insecticides, the first application is made 10-14 days after peak moth capture.

For information on what products are registered for use in Canada on Cranberry please check our publication 2011 Guide to Pest Management in Cranberry.