Friday, May 23, 1997
Pecan casebearer invades Abilene region
By J.T. SMITH / Abilene Reporter-News
Taylor County Extension Agent Gary Bomar's phone has been ringing
off his desk with calls regarding the invasion by pecan casebearers
in Abilene and the region.
"Our traps jumped from zero to 20 in one day," Bomar
reported Thursday. "That means that adult moths are present
now."
Davy Vestal, Eastland County Extension agent, also noted heavy
trap counts in the Eastland area as the moth flights have increased
dramatically there.
Bomar said homeowners and others with pecan trees should scout
for tiny eggs deposited by the moths.
The casebearer eggs are found on the end of nutlets.
"At first, the eggs are white - and then they turn brown,"
Bomar said.
Timing is everything with casebearer control, Bomar noted.
"Eggs hatch within four to five days after they are laid,"
Bomar said. "The young larvae (worms) then begin feeding."
If the eggs are allowed to hatch into larvae, those worms will
be olive gray to jade green in color. The worms can grow to a
half-inch in length, Bomar said.
Vestal advised that those with pecan trees spray with an approved
product for the casebearer by the middle of next week.
Bomar agrees.
"Tuesday is about the time to start spraying here,"
he said. "Or, right after the Memorial Day break."
It's not unusual to have the casebearer outbreak near Memorial
Day, Bomar said.
After the first generation - which tree owners may mark on
their calendar - the second generation can be expected 42 days
later, Bomar noted.
That would put the next cycle on or about July 2, he said.
So Memorial Day and Fourth of July holiday periods are a good
way for homeowners to remember the casebearer this year, Bomar
said.
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Abilene Reporter-News / Texnews / E.W. Scripps Publications
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