In recent years, plant bug infestations have posed a growing challenge for growers, as highlighted by Mel Machado, Vice President of Member Relations for Blue Diamond, during The Almond Conference held in December. Machado outlined the escalating problem, noting a significant increase in damage caused by these pests.
Initially, plant bug damage accounted for a relatively small proportion of overall damage, ranging from 25 to 35 percent. However, due to the loss of effective chemical treatments and the inherent difficulty in monitoring these pests, their impact has grown substantially, becoming a major concern for many growers.
While leaffooted plant bugs have long been recognized as a pest, stink bugs have emerged as an additional threat in recent years, compounding crop damage challenges. Machado recounted visiting an orchard in April where stink bug infestations had caused extensive nut shedding, resembling a harvested orchard. Late-season infestations lead to brown spot, where kernels fail to drop, resulting in significant crop loss.
The rise in plant bug infestations exacerbates issues with brown spot in orchards, leading to higher rejection rates. Growers, already grappling with pests like navel orangeworm, face additional hurdles in managing these newfound challenges. Machado emphasized the importance of requesting damage reports and analyzing data to accurately identify and address specific pest issues in orchards.
Understanding the primary pest concern is crucial for effective pest management strategies. Machado stressed the need for growers to ascertain their target pest accurately, rather than chasing after unrelated problems. The Almond Conference session discussing plant bug issues and available management tools is accessible online, providing valuable insights for growers facing these challenges.
Source: agnetwest.com