Orchardgrass: First update on billbug degree-days

Greetings
According to the Agmaster degree-day collection service – same
company we’ve been using. Given a Jan. 1, 2011 start date, and as of
Mar. 23, 172 DD have accumulated. Model predictions for April 2, are
195 DD.

Recall, 280 DD represents the start of billbug adult activity moving
back into orchardgrass. At this point and beyond you need to start
monitoring field edges for the paired-feeding holes that adults make.
This is a presence/absence sample that gives you an idea on whether
or not they’re in a field. There are no thresholds for spraying or
not spraying – personal judgement call.

As always, if you need more information, contact your local extension
agent or me. My office number is 540-231-9118, cell 540-357-2558, email youngman@vt.edu

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