As in prior years, Ohio State University has a network of traps set across the state to monitor key fruit and vegetable pests to help growers better manage these pests. These traps are checked weekly by state specialists, extension educators and some growers. Funding for the network comes from the OSU Extension IPM Program.
The trap data can be accessed here:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1KLU8rEoaz1Cnt9ILbUf77tSxOIriwZR0Xtj-wwNZgDA/edit?usp=sharing
Based on those cooperators who have reported numbers to date, here are some highlights to be aware of:
Spotted wing Drosophila are being detected in Brown, Greene and Geauga counties, so growers who have ripening or ripe small fruit (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries or strawberries), peaches or grapes, should be monitoring and ready to treat if just one SWD is detected. Treat through harvest to protect berries. More biology and treatment details can be found here: https://u.osu.edu/pestmanagement/pests/swd/
Corn earworm is a pest of several crops but is particularly attracted to silking sweet corn. Increasing CEW have been trapped in Clark, Sandusky, Seneca, Wayne and Putnam counties. The chart below provides a treatment schedule based on the number of moths and the peak temperature.
Corn earworm management chart.
European corn borer, another pest of sweet corn and peppers, has been detected in a few counties (Clark, Sandusky, Seneca and Wayne) but the numbers seem relatively low as the first generation of moths is declining.
Squash vine borer adult on pumpkin leaf.
For growers of cucurbit crops (pumpkin, squash, melons) there has been an upswing in Squash Vine Borer moths detected in Clark, Greene, Putnam and Lucas counties. If growers decide to treat, aim for the base of the plant and be aware of application restrictions if plants are flowering (for pollinator safety).
A few Spotted Lanternfly nymphs have been caught in circle traps around Mingo Junction in Jefferson county where they were first seen last year. Catching them in traps at this location was expected and ODA has plans to treat that area to prevent the spread. Remain vigilant for late instar nymphs which are red, black and white; soon to follow will be the adults which are capable of flight.
Erika Lyon’s photo of SLF nymph caught in trap.
3D printed Spotted Lanternfly (early nymph, late stage nymph, adult).