Pecan
growers and homeowners with backyard trees need to be on the lookout for the
pecan nut casebearer, a perennial pest that can significantly damage a pecan
crop if not controlled.
Based
on Extension Entomologist’s predictions and current Wise and Parker County trap
findings, control for first generation casebearers should be applied to pecan
trees May 20-23. To determine if
spraying is necessary, check pecan clusters for eggs and nut entries on a daily
basis. Eggs are usually found on the
tips of nutlets and are about the size of the end of a ball point pen. The eggs are white when first laid, then turn
pink to red over a three to five day period before hatching.
Apply
an insecticide the third day after the first eggs hatch to kill the larvae
before they enter the nutlets. Since
larvae will be hatching over a week-long period or more, a second spraying may
be necessary.
Suggested
insecticides for homeowners include: Bt
which has been effective in several tests and when timed accurately will not harm
beneficial insects, also sprays containing Spinosad, Malathion and Sevin. Suggested insecticides for commercial growers
include: Bt, Lorsban, Sevin, Imidan,
Confirm 2F, Intrepid and Malathion. The
Bt, Sevin and Malathion would be better choices if livestock are grazing in the
orchard.
Follow label directions when using
pesticides.
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