Caseload at the UW Insect Diagnostic Lab (IDL) has been very high over the course of July and into August. Recent cases at the UW Insect Diagnostic Lab involving insects relevant to fruit crops are summarized below. Keep in mind that this report does not represent all fruit crop activity in Wisconsin, rather it reflects samples and cases submitted to the IDL—scouting your own crops is a key IPM practice!
| Pest | Scientific Name | WI Region* | Crop | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple-and-thorn Skeletonizer | Choreutis pariana | SC, NE | Apple | Skeletonization of leaves; frass |
| Codling Moth | Cydia pomonella | SE, NE | Apple | Caterpillars infesting fruit |
| Japanese Beetle | Popillia japonica | SC, SW, EC, NE, NC, WC, C | Apple, Grape, Plum | Skeletonization of foliage |
| Pear Psylla | Cacopsylla pyri | SE | Pear | “Scorching” of foliage; all life-stages present |
| Pearleaf Blister Mite | Eriophyes pyri | SC, NE | Pear | Scab-like lesion on foliage |
| Plum Curculio | Conotrachelus nenuphar | SC, SE, NE | Apple, Peach, Pear | Scars on fruit |
| Spotted Wing Drosophila | Drosophila suzukii | SC, SE, NC | Raspberries, Blackberries | Larval infestations of fruit |
| White-marked Tussock Moth | Orgyia leucostigma | SC, EC | Apple, Raspberries | Caterpillars and minor damage to foliage |
*Wisconsin Regions used in Insect Summary Table
Reminder about free diagnostic support from the UW Insect Diagnostic Lab: Growers and consultants in need of insect diagnostic services are always welcome to submit samples to the UW Insect Diagnostic Lab.
Lab services are provided free of charge.
Information about submitting samples to the lab can be found on the IDL website: insectlab.russell.wisc.edu.
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