Flight Patterns of Navel Orangeworm in California Pistachio
Author Information
Author(s): Siegel Joel Philip
Primary Institution: Commodity Protection and Quality Unit, San Joaquin Valley Agricultural Sciences Center, United States Department of Agriculture, Agriculture Research Service
Hypothesis
Is there a predictable pattern in the flight activity of the navel orangeworm that can help improve pest management in pistachio orchards?
Conclusion
The study identified a consistent starting point for navel orangeworm flight activity that can be used to improve scouting and insecticide application timing.
Supporting Evidence
- A consistent starting point for navel orangeworm flight was identified at 944.4 degree days from January 1 each year.
- Subsequent flight peaks occurred at intervals of 277.78 degree days.
- The study analyzed a total of 541,892 adult moths captured over 16 years.
Takeaway
Scientists studied how often a pest called the navel orangeworm flies around pistachio trees, and they found a way to predict when to check for them so farmers can protect their crops better.
Methodology
The study analyzed 16 years of flight data from traps in Madera and Fresno counties to identify patterns in navel orangeworm flight activity using degree days.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the use of different trap lures over the study period.
Limitations
The study's findings may be affected by changes in trap lures and the expansion of pistachio and almond hectarage over the years.
Participant Demographics
Data collected from two counties in California, focusing on pistachio orchards.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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