The proper time to control insects can vary depending on the weather. This is most obvious when an “early spring,” with unusually mild, warm weather, causes insects to be in an advanced stage of development, compared with a “late spring,” when winter weather persists.
The development of plants can be used to predict insect activity. Like insects, the emergence of leaves, flowering, and other phenological events are influ-enced by the weather. Both plants and insects are likely to be affected by cloud cover, rainfall, and the number of hours at various temperatures. The observation of plant phenology, such as bloom time, can let you know when insect pests are susceptible to control methods.
The following is a prediction of the stage of development of several species of insects based on the blooming of bridal wreath spirea or Vanhoutte
spirea (Spiraea x vanhouttei). This information is taken from the book Coincide by Donald A. Orton. This 190-page book was published in 1989 and is available from the publisher, Labor of Love Conservatory, 468 S. President, Suite 103, Carol Stream, IL 80188-2894; (630)668-8597.
This plant phenology information is listed to provide a basis for scouting and identifying potential problems. It helps you know when to look for certain pests. It should not be used as a biological calendar spray schedule.
Bridal wreath spirea or Vanhoutte spirea (Spiraea x vanhouttei)
Full bloom:
Birch leafminer young larvae
Elm leaf beetle young larvae
European pine sawfly feeding larvae
Gypsy moth feeding larvae
Pine needle scale crawlers (first generation)
Full to late bloom:
Lilac (ash) borer newly hatched larvae
Oystershell scale (brown) crawlers
Finishing bloom:
Bronze birch borer newly hatched larvae
Most blossoms brown, still a few white:
Flat-headed appletree borer larval hatch
Peach tree borer newly hatched larvae
Viburnum borer newly hatched larvae
Bloom finished:
Oystershell scale (gray) crawlers
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