Skip to main content
ARS Home » Midwest Area » Madison, Wisconsin » Vegetable Crops Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #293415
Title: Sparganothis fruitworm biology and phenology

Author
item Steffan, Shawn
item DEUTSCH, ANNIE - University Of Wisconsin
item KYRYCZENKO-ROTH, VERA - Rutgers University
item RODRIGUEZ-SAONA, CESAR - Rutgers University
item Zalapa, Juan

Submitted to: North American Cranberry Research and Extension Workers Annual Meeting
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/14/2013
Publication Date: 8/27/2013
Citation: Steffan, S.A., Deutsch, A., Kyryczenko-Roth, V., Rodriguez-Saona, C., Zalapa, J.E. 2013. Sparganothis fruitworm biology and phenology [abstract]. North American Cranberry Research and Extension Workers Annual Meeting. p. 2.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Sparganothis fruitworm (SFW) has long been one of the more serious pests of cranberries, necessitating preventative pre-bloom sprays and subsequent “clean-up” sprays mid-season. A better understanding of its biology will sharpen our existing IPM toolbox by improving the timing of these sprays. We set out to uncover the development rates and degree-day (DD) accumulations associated with adult flight and egg-hatch. SFW larval growth rates were measured over a wide range of controlled temperatures (44-101°F). Growth rates were plotted against temperature, and a model was fit to the dynamic. From this model, we were able to determine the lower (48°F) and upper (85°F) development thresholds of SFW larvae. The thresholds were used to generate degree-day (DD) accumulations that were linked to developmental events, such as flight initiation and length, adult lifespan, pre-ovipositional period, ovipositional period, and egg gestation period. These DD accumulations represent key developmental benchmarks, helping to optimize pest management in the cranberry system.