Pecan Nut Casebearer Moth Flights Increasing, Be Ready to Control
With higher-than-normal moth trap counts being reported across Texas, pecan growers should be prepared to potentially face expanding populations of pecan nut casebearer (PNC) this season.
Based on historical Extension research and in-field reports from pecan growers, the first generation of PNC is usually the most damaging. From a single egg laid on a nutlet, a caterpillar will hatch out and feed through an entire cluster of nutlets. If there are three or four nutlets on a cluster, that first-generation larvae can feed through the entire cluster before it pupates, turning into an adult.
Texas A&M University Extension moth traps placed strategically across the state are baited with the PNC female sex pheromone. Even though the first generation of moths is considered the most destructive because of the early need for nutrients to grow, the second, third and even fourth generations of the pest have been known to negatively impact developing nuts if not controlled.
Successive generations of PNC typically occur 40 days apart. This season’s first generation was identified flying around the Texas/Oklahoma border, as well as in El Paso near the U.S.-Mexico border.
When to Be Ready
Growers and Extension personnel focus on a specific event called biofix, when male moths are caught on back-to-back nights. This life cycle event is used as a reference point, signaling when to scout for eggs in the orchard, which usually begins roughly 10 to 14 days after biofix for first-generation larvae.
“We have a free online tool called Pecan Nut Casebearer Forecast – Pecan Pest Monitor, which growers can use to input their biofix information to determine when to scout for eggs,” says Kyle Slusher, assistant professor and Extension entomologist, pecan, viticulture and fruit, Texas A&M University. “We also have an online database Program – Monitoring site – AgPest Monitor, where registered growers can report their trap captures. The objective of the tool is to use moth capture and historical weather data to inform growers on the best time to scout for PNC eggs in their orchard.”
While pecan nut casebearers feed exclusively on pecan trees, growers should also remain aware of hickory shuckworm (HSW). This insect feeds on any type of hickory tree, but also pecan trees. HSW has a symbiotic relationship with the pecan phylloxera, a small aphid-like insect that leaves galls on pecan tree leaves. The HSW is found more in Georgia than in Texas.
Growers should begin looking for hickory shuckworm egg lays on nuts from half-shell hardening all the way to harvest. Their activity will cause the shuck to stick to the nut, preventing separation from the developed pecan. Early identification through scouting is advised for these two destructive insect pests.
The Control Solution
Historically, chlorpyrifos-based products were used to control PNC. However, over the last decade, Intrepid Edge® insecticide, has become the new grower standard. It has two active ingredients – methoxyfenozide and spinetoram – and has proven to be a great fit for pecan growers needing to control PNC and HSW.
“There’s no doubt that Intrepid Edge insecticide should be the broad-spectrum product of choice to control PNC and HSW,” says Logan McGarrah, territory manager, Corteva Agriscience. “Intrepid Edge insecticide has distinct advantages over older chemistries, with pest specificity and extended residual being two that growers will first notice.”
PNC egg lay frequently lasts for multiple days or even weeks. Growers making an application targeting that initial egg hatch can have peace of mind knowing that subsequent egg lays also will be controlled.
“That residual barrier from methoxyfenozide also widens a grower’s application window. If they need to irrigate, or know rain is imminent, they can spray prior to those events and can expect control to last,” McGarrah says. “Both actives in Intrepid Edge insecticide also target caterpillars.”
Intrepid Edge® insecticide is easy on beneficial insects in the orchard – another attribute growers want. Beneficial insects not only help control PNC and HSW eggs but also are important in helping keep aphids below damaging levels.
For more information about the many advantages Intrepid Edge® insecticide delivers to protect the investments you have made in your pecan orchards, read this technical fact sheet.
Legals:
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