Bt Applications for Leafrollers

Monday May 08, 2023

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a bacterium that must be eaten by lepidopteran larvae (caterpillars) to be effective. Bt is a great material for leafroller control because it is specific and has little effect on natural enemies. However, it must be applied 2-3 times to be effective when leafroller populations are high. Experience has also shown that in the spring, the high temperatures need to be above 65°F for 3 or more days so that larvae have a chance to feed on it before sunlight breaks it down. DAS provides forecast temperatures for all stations in the "Weather Forecast" and in the "Show Data Grid" table so that you can decide whether or not to use Bt or other recommended chemicals.

Campylomma Bug

Monday May 01, 2023

Campylomma can be a pest during the bloom period when it feeds on young developing fruit. However, it is a beneficial predaceous insect that is valuable in control of soft bodied insects (such as spider mites) throughout the rest of year. DAS predicts the phenology of Campylomma during the spring, but beating tray samples need to be taken before and during the spring bloom period to determine if Campylomma is present and whether treatment is necessary.

Maximum Residue Levels

Thursday Mar 05, 2020

We have created a new page meant to simply display all the Maximum Residue Levels (MRL) for the most common export markets for WA tree fruits.

Increasing price

Sunday Mar 01, 2020

In order to continue to function, the WSU-DAS group has decided they must raise user rates

Planning for Fire Blight Prevention

Monday Apr 15, 2019

As Fire Blight season approaches make sure you have your fire blight plan in place. Most products work best when applied within the 12-24 hour window before a wetting event so a good plan is critical to timely execution. Know your high-risk areas, calibrate your sprayers, have products on hand, and be agile to change plans when mother nature and thinning change the reality for you. Check out our newly updated Fire Blight Page for ideas on improving your programs. Any time there are blooms on the tree there is risk of fire blight.