ARS | Publication request: Ongoing research and insecticide trials for cranberry pests

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: June 16, 2012
Publication Date: August 16, 2012
Citation: Rodriguez-Saona, C., Steffan, S.A., Kyryczenko-Rothvera, V., Holdcraft, R. 2012. Ongoing research and insecticide trials for cranberry pests [abstract]. American Cranberry Growers Assn 2012 Summer Field Day. Paper No. 19.

Technical Abstract: Progress towards a degree-day model for sparganothis fruitworm to time insecticide applications. The cranberry plant and its associated arthropods generally disregard calendars and almanacs. Since plants and arthropods can only develop as fast as current temperatures allow, their developmental status is best measured by keeping track of heat units. Such units are often referred to as “degree-days,” and they combine temperature (degrees above a threshold) and time (days). Keeping a running total of degree-days (DDs) provides an objective measurement of the organism’s growth (i.e., its “physiological age” rather than its time-based age). With a DD running total, we can link this number to observed development in the field (eggs hatching, adult flights). After years of observation, we can assess the development of field populations by keeping track of daily weather. Having such information in-hand helps pest management professionals to assess 1) when their traps need to be deployed, 2) when egg-laying is starting, and 3) when pest pressure is at its peak. Timing of these biological “events” becomes particularly important when unusual weather descends upon us, as it did during the spring of 2012. To illustrate how DD accumulations can be useful for pest management, we are working together with Dr. Shawn Steffan (USDA-ARS, Wisconsin) on the development of a DD model for Sparganothis fruitworm to better time insecticide applications. This moth is a major pest in all cranberry growing regions, and we are slowly piecing together its biology. These data will be presented in future grower meetings.