UMass Landscape Message April 17, 2009

"Winter Moth flight last November/December was substantially more prevalent that it has been in Massachusetts for several years. This is a strong indicator that the numbers of caterpillars this spring will be up considerably for the first time in 3 years and serious damage to trees, apple crops, and blueberries may occur. Winter moth caterpillars hatch early (approximately 20-50 GDD or about mid April) and wriggle into swelling buds where they feed and harm leaf and flower buds. Dormant oil sprays for fruit tree crops (apple, blueberry) may be prudent. Once the foliage is open, these caterpillars then feed freely and can be managed with Bacillus thuringiensis Kurstaki (B.t.K.) while they are still small, or with a product that contains spinosad, or with a registered pyrethroid product. Winter moth egg hatch should occur within the next week if warmer weather persists."

Claire (who is counting on the birds she's been pandering to all winter to gobble up those caterpillars)